Queen Elizabeth II wrote a sealed letter to the people of Sydney, Australia, in 1986, with instructions that it not be opened until 2085. The letter is kept in a restricted area within the Queen Victoria Building (QVB), an iconic structure in the city.
Letter's origins and instructions
The late monarch, who died aged 96 in September 2022 after a record-breaking 70 years on the throne, penned the letter to mark the completion that year of major restoration works on the QVB. Named in honour of the Queen's great-great-grandmother and one of her predecessors as British monarch, the building dates back to 1898 and was once home to a "concert hall, coffee shops, showrooms, warehouses and a wide variety of tradespeople" before its use changed various times over the years. It is now a high-end retail hub.
The Queen asked the city's then Lord Mayor not to open the letter for almost 100 years. She wrote: "On a suitable day to be selected by you in the year 2085 AD, would you please open this envelope and convey to the citizens of Sydney my message to them," The New York Post previously reported.
Sealed until 2085
The opening year is around the time the current leaseholder's existing 99-year lease on the building ends, as it stands. While it's not known what message the letter contains, it may well be simply a thank you to the city's residents for saving the building, which came close to being demolished before being saved, thanks in part to campaigners.
The letter is being kept in a restricted area within the QVB, away from prying eyes.
Building's historical significance
The QVB website says the building "fills an entire city block bound by George, Market, York and Druitt Streets". "The dominant feature is the mighty centre dome, consisting of an inner glass dome and an exterior copper-sheathed dome," it explains. "Glorious stained glass windows and splendid architecture endure throughout the building and an original 19th century staircase sits alongside the dome."
It adds that restoration work saw every detail "faithfully restored, including arches, pillars, balustrades and the intricate tiled floors thus maintaining the integrity of the building".
Australia is a Commonwealth country among more than a dozen that has the British head of state, the King or Queen, as its monarch. However, like Britain, Australia has a parliamentary democracy in which the monarch plays a largely ceremonial role.
