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The Queen’s hidden message to Sydneysiders still a mystery

The Queen has left a letter for Sydneysiders hidden away in the Queen Victoria Building — but the mysterious message is not to be opened for decades.

‘We owe her the most heartfelt debt’: King Charles III

They are the words of Queen Elizabeth that are hidden in Sydney and can’t be read for another 53 years.

Queen Elizabeth II wrote a letter to the Australian people when the Queen Victoria Building was opened to the public in 1986 after major renovations.

But the contents of the letter remains shrouded in mystery, because the Queen gave strict instructions for it to remain sealed and unread until 2085.

“To the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Sydney, Australia,” the letter reads.

“Greetings. On a suitable day to be selected by you in the year 2085 A.D. would you please open this envelope and convey to the citizens of Sydney my message to them.”

Not even her closest advisers are believed to know what is contained in the letter, which is sealed in glass and hidden in the dome of the QVB. The letter isn’t accessible to the public unless on a guided tour of the building.

QVB guest experience manager Natalie Cody said the mysterious letter has taken on new meaning because it is one of few remaining gifts her Majesty is yet to bestow to the public.

The Queen’s letter (inset) is sealed behind glass and cannot be opened until 2085.
The Queen’s letter (inset) is sealed behind glass and cannot be opened until 2085.

“Throughout the last 24 hours it has come out what a wonderful sense of humour she had, and this is part of that – it shows that side of her,” Ms Cody said.

“With the building we keep the Queen Victoria legacy … and with this letter Queen Elizabeth is a very major part of that too.

“People are very surprised to learn about it, and it starts a conversation thinking about what she might have said.”

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Read related topics:Queen Elizabeth

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/the-queens-hidden-message-to-sydneysiders-still-a-mystery/news-story/da2a4cc233443115283c094bb8e47b1d