The Famous Secret Letter in Sydney, Australia
One of the most widely known letters written by Queen Elizabeth II is the one addressed to the citizens of Sydney, Australia. This letter serves as a time capsule, sealed and intended to remain unopened until the year 2085. Signed simply "Elizabeth R," the letter was created in November 1986 to mark the extensive restoration of the historic Queen Victoria Building (QVB). The QVB, named after her great-grandmother, was saved from possible demolition in the 1950s. The instructions for opening the letter are inscribed on a plaque on its casing within the QVB. The contents are a mystery, reportedly unknown even to her closest staff. This secrecy has led to much speculation over the years.
Queen Elizabeth's Final Personal Correspondence
A recent book by royal biographer Robert Hardman revealed another significant set of letters from Queen Elizabeth II. Following her death in September 2022, staff found two sealed, private letters in her official red box as they sorted through her last duties.
The recipients of these final letters were:
- Her son, King Charles III (then Prince Charles).
- Her private secretary, Sir Edward Young.
The specific contents of these letters remain private. It is believed they may have contained personal farewells or instructions regarding the transition of the monarchy. This discovery underscores the Queen's dedication to duty and foresight.
Other Notable Written Correspondence
Beyond these well-known examples, Queen Elizabeth II engaged in various forms of correspondence throughout her long reign.
Formal and Public Letters
- Letters of Thanks: After her father's death in 1952, the new Queen signed a typed letter expressing thanks to those who attended the vigil for King George VI. Facsimiles were then distributed, making this one of her early official written acts.
- Responding to the Public: The Queen was reported to show a "keen interest" in letters from the public and would often guide her staff on how to reply. While she didn't personally sign every response, it was not uncommon for individuals to receive a letter from Buckingham Palace after writing to the monarch.
Personal and Informal Notes
- Childhood Notes: Even from a young age, Princess Elizabeth wrote letters. An example from 1930 shows a dictated thank you note to her pediatrician, signed "Lilibet" at the age of four.
- Family Letters: Throughout her life, the Queen maintained private correspondence with her family. An autograph letter from 1963 to her cousin, Gerald Lascelles, was also signed "Lilibet".
Elizabeth II vs. Elizabeth I: A Comparison of Royal Letters
Comparing the correspondence of Queen Elizabeth II with her predecessor, Queen Elizabeth I, highlights the different eras and contexts of their reigns.
| Feature | Queen Elizabeth II | Queen Elizabeth I |
|---|---|---|
| Famous Letter | The secret Sydney letter sealed until 2085. | The "Tide Letter," written to her sister Mary I from prison in 1554. |
| Purpose | Often ceremonial (Sydney letter) or private (final letters). | Frequently political, written under duress or for strategic reasons. |
| Signature | Typically "Elizabeth R" on official correspondence, "Lilibet" on private letters. | Usually signed "ELIZABETH," often with specific flourishes. |
| Context | Her letters operated within a constitutional monarchy. | Wrote from a position of absolute power, sometimes from vulnerability as a princess. |
| Discovery | Letters are sometimes sealed for decades or kept private. | Letters were often preserved as significant political or historical documents. |
The Enduring Legacy of Royal Words
Queen Elizabeth II's letters offer valuable insights into her reign and character. They demonstrate her commitment to duty and her capacity for personal expression, whether planning for the future of Sydney or addressing loved ones in her final moments. The variety in her correspondence, from childhood notes to formal signed documents, traces her life in the public eye while maintaining personal privacy. The mystery surrounding the Sydney letter, in particular, ensures that public interest in her legacy will continue.
Conclusion
To answer the question, Queen Elizabeth II did indeed write letters, and these provide a rich understanding of her life and reign. Her written correspondence encompassed a range from official duties to deeply personal messages, most notably the time capsule in Australia. This letter symbolizes the connection between her reign and future generations. Her letters, whether intended for a major city or her private secretary, offer glimpses into her character, dedication to duty, and lasting impact. Interest in royal correspondence will persist.
Why Royal Correspondence is Still Important
Letters provide tangible evidence for historians, offer symbolic links between the monarch and Commonwealth nations, and give rare, intimate views of the Queen's character and last acts.
How the Queen Handled the Volume of Mail
Queen Elizabeth II's staff reviewed daily letters, presenting a selection to her. Replies to official mail were often signed by staff, guided by the Queen's instructions, while she avoided responding to political matters.
