Teenager reveals letter he received from Queen Elizabeth II after her death: 'A gift from heaven'

Teenager reveals letter he received from Queen Elizabeth II after her death: 'A gift from heaven'
Barak the Explorer
Tom Evans

By Tom Evans


Published: 12/09/2022

- 08:00

Updated: 12/09/2022

- 11:34

A teenager was left shocked after receiving one of the last letters ever sent by Queen Elizabeth II

Barak Davison, 13, wrote to Her Majesty earlier this year to tell her about a campaign he’d started to educate others about animals.

To his astonishment a letter arrived 24 hours after the monarch had passed away. It explained how Her Majesty had been touched to receive the letter and encouraged Barak to continue his work.


Describing it as like a "gift from heaven", Barak, from Hampstead, north London, said: “I was very shocked when I got home from school and found the letter from Buckingham Palace.

“When I opened it I couldn’t believe my eyes. I’m very sad The Queen has died but this letter is something I will cherish forever.”

Barak Davison received a letter from Queen Elizabeth II
Barak Davison received a letter from Queen Elizabeth II
GB News

Barak Davison's letter to Queen Elizabeth II
Barak Davison's letter to Queen Elizabeth II
GB News

Barak’s mum, Elinor Davison, added: “We can’t get over it. It’s incredible that despite being unwell The Queen was still taking the time for everyone who wrote to her.

“It shows how kind she was and what an amazing Queen she was.

“Receiving this letter will stay with him and it’s really taught him that the sky's the limit."

Barak, who uses Instagram to educate others about animals, I sent a letter to Queen Elizabeth II in February.

In it he wrote: “Madam, I am very excited to write this letter to you. My name is Barak Davison, I am a 13-year-old animal and nature lover.

“Since I was very young I was always passionate about animals and helping them in different and creative ways.

“Therefore I created an Instagram account that aims to educate people of all ages about the importance of animals to our planet.

“The account has already gained popularity and is watched by thousands of people. I know your time is highly valuable but I encourage you to visit it. I think it can impact the traffic of the account and spread awareness. It is called @baraktheexplorer.

“Please take part in this great journey and together let’s educate and save the animals!

“I hope I will have the honour to meet you one day!”

Her reply was written by the monarch's Private Secretary on September 2 – three days before she received Liz Truss at Balmoral.

It arrived at Barak’s house on September 9.

The letter sent to Barak Davison
The letter sent to Barak Davison
GB News

The letter said: “Dear Master Davison, The Queen has asked me to thank you for your letter of 1st February with regard to the Instagram account you have created to educate people on the importance of animals.

“Please do accept my apologies for the delay in response, due to the high volume of mails sent to Her Majesty, it has not been possible to reply until now.

“The Queen was encouraged to know of your interest in protecting our planet and its wildlife, and was touched that you should wish to share your thoughts with her.”

Barak – whose Instagram BarakTheExplorer account has more than 500 followers – said the reply has inspired him to keep educating others on the importance of wildlife and the planet.

Barak said: “ I see it as a message from heaven to keep going. I started my Instagram just nine months ago as I wanted to share my knowledge about animals and teach others.”

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