Serbia: Crown Prince Alexander's statement following the news about King Charles' health

King Charles' decision to be open about his cancer diagnosis has encouraged the Crown Prince of Serbia to speak about his own recent experience of prostate cancer (press release 6 February 2024):

Crown Prince Alexander's statement following the news about King Charles' health

Belgrade, 6 February 2024 – Following the worrying news about the health of His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms, HRH Crown Prince Alexander issues the following statement:

“Deeply concerned by the condition which most unfortunately, affected my dear cousin and friend, HM King Charles III, and moved by his courage, despite the disease, sharing his personal health condition with his people, I am sending the following message of support, but also of understanding, and compassion. The love of all of us who know him, and of his people, we deeply care for him, will support His Majesty in persevering and winning this most important battle. The news that it is early stage gives high hope.

The unfortunate news about cancer is not something you wish to hear. And I can say it personally, as I very well know how you feel once you hear it. How frightening and terrifying it is also for the family, how all the feelings get mixed up, and how you cannot think about anything else. I can say it now because I only recently defeated cancer. I had avoided speaking about it, as it is a personal matter concerning only me and my family, but King Charles’ openness moved me and encouraged me to also speak up.

I am sharing this now, because this kind of tragic news can encourage people to react and take care of their health. The statistics already show that once heard about the previous condition His Majesty had with the prostate, the number of check-ups in the United Kingdom has highly risen. That is why people should hear my story, to see it is something that can happen to all of us. But when we are responsible, the outcome can be good.

In December last year, I found out that I have early-stage prostate cancer. The year before, I was on my regular check-up, the doctors performed an MRI exam and saw something suspicious. They did a biopsy, and everything was ok at that time. A year later, although I did not have any problems, an MRI scan again showed worrying images, but this time the biopsy results showed the word we are all afraid of. At that moment, I was terrified. But I was not alone. I am not speaking about family and friends who knew this and shared their support, which meant so much and cannot be described in words, but also all the other people who are fighting this disease. After that, I listened to the doctor’s orders strictly, did all the necessary pre-intervention tests, had surgery, did all the mandatory check-ups after the operation, and finally, got the most joyous words from my doctor – “All is clear now”.  

I am strictly planning to continue regular doctor controls in the future, I appeal to everyone to follow this example and do the same. Be responsible with yourself, listen to the doctor’s advice, and monitor your health, preserve it, and nurture it as the greatest wealth and gift you will ever receive. And to conclude, I am hoping with all my heart His Majesty the King, my dear friend and cousin, will also be triumphant.” 

Serbia: Royal birth

The Office of Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia announced today the birth of Princess Marija, second child of Prince Philip and Princess Danica:

Belgrade, 5 November 2023 – TRH Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine announce with joy that the Royal Family of Serbia today gained a new member. HRH Princess Danica, the wife of HRH Hereditary Prince Philip, gave birth to daughter Marija, in Belgrade on 5 November at 12:31 PM.

“With great happiness and joy, the entire Royal family of Serbia has received the news that my son, HRH Hereditary Prince Philip, and daughter-in-law, HRH Princess Danica, have became the parents of a beautiful baby girl, Her Royal Highness Princess Marija, my granddaughter. 

Each childbirth brings joy but knowing that Karadjordjevics are again being born in our homeland, it is what brings special happiness to my heart. It is what I had dreamt of during the times of exile. With sincere congratulations and wishes to the parents for good health, I am sharing my great joy of becoming a proud grandfather once again!”, stated HRH Crown Prince Alexnader.

The mother and the baby are doing well. The parents, TRH Prince Philip and Princess Danica, and brother HRH Prince Stefan, warmly thank everyone for their congratulations.

Prince Philip and Princess Danica's eldest child, Prince Stefan, was born in Belgrade on 25 February 2018.

Updated on Wednesday 8 November 2023 at 09:40 (time of birth changed from AM to PM, the press release must have been changed since this blog article was published).

Succession mess in the Royal House of Serbia

On Thursday 28 April 2022 it was revealed that Prince Peter of Serbia, eldest son of the head of the Royal House, Crown Prince Alexander, had renounced his rights to the Serbian throne the previous day.

The question about succession to the Serbian throne is of course only academic interest, as Serbia is a republic and unfortunately the chances of a monarchical restoration are very small. The Kingdom of Yugoslavia was formally abolished in 1945, and since the 1990s the country has been divided into several independent countries, among them Serbia. So it makes more sense to refer to the Crown Prince and the other members of the Royal House as «of Serbia» and not «of  Yugoslavia». The official website is headlined «The Royal Family of Serbia», by the way.

The information about the renunciation came in form of a message posted by a person named Astrid Beatriz in the Facebook group Royalty Digest Quarterly. The translated statement by Prince Peter said among others that «By the act of abdication, I renounce for myself and all my descendants who were born or will be born in a marital relationship or out of wedlock. I transfer all the rights based on the birthright to the next one born after the eldership, my brother  Kraljevic (prince) Filip, which is an automatic process with this abdication and our sovereign wills; I do not waive the rights arising from the right to inherit the name, member of the Royal House, the title of Prince and all other rights and obligations that law and tradition give and impose on a family member».

The renunciation document was signed in Seville in Spain, where Prince Peter lives and works, with among others his sister Princess Maria Da Gloria of Orleans and Braganza and Duchess of Segorbe, his brother and sister-in-law Prince Philip and Princess Danica as well as representatives of the Orthodox Church of Serbia, as witnesses. Prince Peter said in the statement that he had informed his father the Crown Prince about his decision.

Prince Peter has given no clear reasons for his decisions, but considering the fact that he lives and works in Seville and has shown little interest in role the royal house plays in Serbia, it makes sense that he leaves the future headship to his younger brother Prince Philip, who lives in Belgrade, has married a Serbian woman and who already has produced an heir, Prince Stefan. I was puzzled by the way the renuncation came, as his father was not present when the document was signed. And today we got the following statement from the Crown Prince's Office:

STATEMENT FROM THE ROYAL PALACE OF SERBIA REGARDING HEREDITARY PRINCE

Regarding the most current events in the Royal Family of Serbia’s line of succession, and the withdrawal of HRH Prince Peter from the position of Hereditary Prince, HRH Crown Prince Alexander, as the Head of the Royal Family, issued the following statement:

“Concerning the withdrawal of my oldest son Prince Peter from the line of succession, I wish him all the best for the future, good health, and happiness. I appreciate his honesty regarding the tough decision he made.

This issue was brought to me quickly, while I am abroad, due to previous obligations. Unfortunately, such a crucial and important procedure was not followed properly, in accordance with the tradition and rules of the Royal Family, and the Family Rulebook, which was written in the time of the Kingdom, and which all members of the Royal Family need to follow. This occurrence and procedure did not take place at the Royal Palace, in Serbia, with my presence and authority as the Head of the Royal Family, with the blessing of our Holy Church and with Crown Council participation in the process, but in a foreign country, without a good reason for performing such important matter away from our homeland.

The Royal Family of Serbia will continue to serve the people with dedication, honesty, and loyalty, which is the obligation and duty for us”, stated HRH Crown Prince Alexander. 

The texts of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, the Serbian Royal Family Book of Rules, 12 September 1909 and the Yugoslavian Royal Family Book of Rules, 5 April 1930 can be found in the important documents section of the official website. The documents used to be at my old website (I was the one who provided the English text of the Constitution to the Crown Prince, by the way), so I will try to get those pages back and running soon.

The documents are of course not legally binding anylonger, but it seems that most members of the Royal House has respected the regulations and the headship of King Peter and later Crown Prince Alexander since the monarchy was abolished in 1945. It is a bit sad that Prince Peter could not show his father more respect and get things sorted out «the right way». The Crown Prince has been subjected to a fait accompli, so some way or another he has to accept his son's decision. But now we have a situation where there is an unilateral and «unconstitutional» renunciation and as of now we don't know if Prince Peter would be willing to respect his father's wishes for a procedure in accordance with the family rules. I really hope the mess will be sorted out eventually.

Updated on Sunday 1 May 2022 at 02.10: One paragraph was edited, as it has come to my attention that no members of the Crown Council was present at the renunciation ceremony after all, cf. Marlene Koenig's updated blog article. She also writes that «Serbia media identified  Nikola Stanovic as the Crown Prince's Chief of Staff.  He is not Crown Prince Alexander's chief of staff. Ljubodrag Grujic, who served as the Crown Prince's Herald, and was present for the ceremony,  is no longer in that official position.»

3 November 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of King Peter II of Yugoslavia

The Office of Crown Prince Alexander, head of the Royal House of Serbia, has issued the following statement concerning the 50th anniversary of the death of King Peter II of Yugoslavia tomorrow, 3 November 2020:

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF KING PETER II’S DEATH TO BE MARKED IN OPLENAC AND NEW YORK

A memorial service for His Majesty King Peter II (son of the great unifier His Majesty King Alexander I) is going to be officiated tomorrow Tuesday, 3 November 2020 by His Grace Bishop Jovan of Sumadija at the Church of Saint George in Oplenac.

According to protocol the first wreath will be laid by Mr. Dragomir Acovic, chairman of the Advisory bodies of the Crown on the behalf His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander head of the Serbian Royal Family (son of Hs Majesty King Peter II) on the tomb of the late King.

In New York His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America will officiate a memorial service for His Majesty King Peter II in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine who will light candles in memory of the Crown Prince’s father, HM King Peter II, at the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Sava. His Majesty King Peter II was very close to the cathedral during his time in the United States.

King Peter II, b. 1923, died in exile in Denver, Colorado on 3 November 1970 and was succeeded as head of the royal family by his only son, Crown Prince Alexander, b. 1945.

Serbian royal birth

Prince Mihailo and Princess Ljubica of Serbia (Yugoslavia) became parents to baby girl born in Belgrade on 26 December 2018 at 10:15 a.m. According to the Office of HRH Crown Prince Alexander, the new princess has received the name Natalija.

Prince Mihailo (Michael), b. 1985, the youngest son of Prince Tomislav (1928–2000) by his 2nd wife Princess Linda, née Bonney, married Ljubica Ljubislavljevic in 2016. Prince Mihailo is a first cousin of Crown Prince Alexander.

This was the second royal birth in Belgrade this year. Prince Philip and Princess Danica, née Marinkovic, became parents to a boy, Stefan, in Belgrade on 25 February 2018. Prince Stefan's christening took place on 15 December 2018 in the Royal Chapel of St. Andrew the First-Called in the Royal Compound in Dedinje, Belgrade. Prince Philip is the second son of Crown Prince Alexander by his first wife Princess Maria da Gloria of Orléans-Braganza.

Royal birth in Serbia

The Office of Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia released the following statement this morning concerning the birth of a new prince of Serbia:

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine announce with joy that the Royal Family just gained a new member. HRH Princess Danica, the wife of HRH Prince Philip, gave birth to a son Stefan, in Belgrade on Sunday, 25 February 2018 at 10:30 am. 

With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia, the bells of Belgrade’s St. Sava temple rang as signal of the birth of the new born of the Karadjordjevic Royal family, and this was the first time in history that 49 bells of the biggest orthodox temple in Balkans will announce such a birth. The bells of St. George church in Oplenac rang as a sign of the birth as well. 

The mother and the baby are doing well. [...]

This male birth is the first one in the Royal Family in Serbia for 90 years when HRH Prince Tomislav was born in Belgrade, who was the brother of HM King Peter II, the grandfather of HRH Prince Philip.

His Royal Highness Prince Philip is the fraternal twin of Prince Alexander and second in line to the Throne after Hereditary Prince Peter. He is the son of HRH Crown Prince Alexander and HRH Princess Maria da Gloria of Orleans Bragança. Prince Philip is the grandson of HM King Peter II and HM Queen Alexandra. His Godparents are HM King Constantine of the Hellenes, HM the Queen of Spain and HRH the Duchess of Calabria.

Prince Philip was born at Falls Church, Virginia, USA on 15 January 1982. He married Danica Marinkovic, b. Belgrade 17 August 1986, in the Saborna Church in Belgrade, Serbia on 7 October 2017.

Serbia: HRH Crown Prince Alexander Karadjordjevic – At the service of the country

Two days ago the Office of HRH Crown Prince Alexander Karadjordjevic published a rather interesting article on the official website of the Royal Family of Serbia, titled HRH Crown Prince Alexander Karadjordjevic – At the service of the country, which among others tell how much the Crown Prince couple has invested in the Royal Compound over the years.

In the last paragraph we can read that "[...] it makes no sense to respond to ugly tabloid headlines in our newspapers about the financial difficulties in the maintenance of the Royal Compound, but only to list the major activities of TRH Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine, who with their devotion and love for the people Serbia and are entirely at the service of our country."

Still, it would have been interesting to learn what the tabloids actually wrote. And I hope that the Serbian state one day learns the historical value the Royal Compound represents and decides to increase its financial support.

Serbia: Crown Prince Alexander lays wreath at monument to Prince Milos Obrenovic

Photo: TheMiner, WikipediaCommons.

The Office of Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia (Yugoslavia) published a rather interesting article yesterday, 5 April 2015, which was Palm Sunday according to the Orthodox Calendar:

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Katherine, Mr Dusan Babac, member of the Privy Council, Prof. Dr Bragoljub Kavran, Mr Predrag Markovic and Mr Darko Spasic, members of the Crown Council, laid a wreath at the monument to Prince Milos Obrenovic in Belgrade, on the occasion of today’s religious holiday Palm Sunday, since it was on this holiday exactly 200 years ago in 1815 Serbian headmen (“knezovi”) gathered in Takovo and asked Milos Obrenovic to be the leader of the uprising, which he accepted.

The Crown Prince on this occasion said: “Honouring Prince Milos Obrenovic today, we pay homage to Serbian history and magnificent efforts of our forefathers to establish the modern Serbian state. The Second Serbian Uprising, which was initiated on Palm Sunday in 1815, gave immeasurable contribution to achieving this goal, continuing the path of Serbia and the Serbian people to freedom, which was started by my great ancestor Karadjordje. Today, we have to continue that way, without divisions, boldly and decisively, respecting our ancestors and thinking about the future of our descendants. Glory and praise to Prince Milos Obrenovic and all the participants of the Second Serbian Uprising”- said Crown Prince Alexander.

You will find photos of the event if you follow the link above. The last time I visited Belgrade was in 2008, but I didn't take any photos of the monument.

Prince Milos Obrenovic (1780-1860) reigned as Prince of Serbia from 1817 to 1839 and from 1858 to 1860.

Takovo is today a small village in the municipality of Gornji Milanovac about 2 hours' drive from Belgrade.

Crown Prince Haakon of Norway in Serbia

Crown Prince Haakon of Norway made an official visit to Serbia today (6 November 2014), where he among others opened a new functionality for Telenor's mobile bank and meet participants of the Telenor Youth Forum as well as Norwegian language students at the Institute of Scandinavian Languages at the University of Belgrade.

According to the Norwegian Royal Court's website, Crown Prince Haakon later met up with the First Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ivica Dačić, followed by an official luncheon.

The Crown Prince also attended the opening of Human Rights House Belgrade, which will be home to various Serbian human rights organisations, before he moved on to the Zemun district where he attended the re-opening of the Roman Catholic chapel of St. Rocco, which during the last few years has undergone extensive renovation works. He also visited the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Archangel Gabriel nearby.

In Zemun Crown Prince Haakon had the pleasure of meeting his distant royal relative, Crown Prince Alexander, head of the former royal family of Yugoslavia (Royal House of Karadjordjevic), and his wife Crown Princess Katherine. The Norwegian Royal Court doesn't mention this encounter, but fortunately Crown Prince Alexander's office has released the following information:

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Hakon Magnusson [sic!] of Norway, Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine visited Zemun today to attend a ceremony at the Roman Catholic Church of St. Rocco, following that they visited the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Archangel Gabriel. This ceremony was also attended by State Secretary Dilek Ayhan of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, HE Mr Nils Ragnar Kamswag, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, and great number of members of the diplomatic corps and religious representatives.

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Rocco was built in 1836, on the foundations of an older chapel, and the architect was Joseph Felber, who also built the Zemun Church of Holy Trinity. The church suffered in 1990’s, but recently it was renovated thanks to the Norwegian Government and its former glory has again been fully restored.

Crown Prince Alexander expressed his delight that HRH Crown Prince Haakon is in Serbia and that they met on such wonderful occasion. “Crown Prince Haakon of Norway is the first member of the Norwegian Royal Family to visit Serbia for 40 years. I hope meetings like this will happen more often and that each future meeting will further deepen the friendship between our two countries to the benefit of both our nations.”

Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine also visited the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Archangel Gabriel in Zemun and talked to the priests who told Their Royal Highnesses about its long history.

Crown Prince Alexander's office has also published a few photos from the visit. Later in the evening the Norwegian Crown Prince attended an official dinner hosted by the Norwegian Ambassador in Belgrade, Nils Ragnar Kamsvåg. According to the Norwegian Royal Court, the "guest list reflects the extensive cooperation between Norway and Serbia in various spheres of society". Not sure if the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Serbia were invited, but I really hope so.

The Crown Prince of Norway's given names are Haakon Magnus, but only the first name Haakon is in daily use, which was confirmed after the extraordinary council of state on 23 July 1973, three days after his birth.

New official website for the Serbian Royal Family

The Office of Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia (Serbia) launched its "new" (upgraded) official website today:

http://www.rsroyalfamily.net/

The website can also be reached by its old URL, http://www.royalfamily.org.

In a press release yesterday, 12 February 2013, the court writes that "HRH Crown Prince Alexander supports the development of new technologies and therefore made an effort to present news, information and historical background of the Serbian Royal Family, it’s past and present, in the most user friendly technological way. The new website was developed using the latest HTML5 platform, is designed to allow users to interact in real time. The completely re-designed website is much faster and features many multimedia contents."

The text of the Constitution of Yugoslavia (1931), which I originally provided, can now be found here.

State funeral for King Peter II of Yugoslavia set for 26 May 2013

The Office of Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia (Serbia) informed in a press release today that the state funeral for King Peter II (1923-1934-1945-1970), Queen Alexandra (1921-1993) and Queen Marie (1900-1961) is to take place at Oplenac, Serbia on Sunday 26 May 2013:

Belgrade, 7 February 2013 - His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander and the Royal Family are pleased to announce that the State Funeral for His Majesty King Peter II, Her Majesty Queen Alexandra and Her Majesty Queen Maria will take place on Sunday 26 May at St George's Church Oplenac where the Royal Family's Mausoleum is located.

The remains of Their Majesties Queen Alexandra and Queen Maria will be arriving in the near future to Serbia and will be placed in the Royal Chapel of the Royal Palace at Dedinje where His Majesty Kind Peter II is already located.

Following his death at Denver, Colorado, USA in 1970, King Peter was buried at the St. Sava Monastery Church in Libertyville north of Chicago, Illinois. His remains of King Peter II were returned to Belgrade on 22 January 2013.

It will really be interesting to see how many royal houses will be represented at the state funeral. I am sure that members of most of the former Balkan monarchies will be present, but will the reigning courts send representatives as well?

Casket of King Peter II of Yugoslavia arrives in Belgrade

Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia at his office in London, with the portrait of his father, King Peter II, in the background. The photo was taken in November 1995.

The casket of King Peter II of Yugoslavia (1923-1934-1945-1970) arrived at the Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade in the afternoon today, 22 January 2013. Present at the airport were Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine, Prince Peter, Prince Philip and Prince Alexander, together with Crown Princess Katherine’s daughter Alison, Ivica Dacic, Prime Minister of Serbia, Prof. Dr. Oliver Antic, advisor to the President of Serbia H.E. Mr. Tomislav Nikolic, Bishop Atanasije of Hvosno and members of the Committee for transfer of remains of members of the Royal Family, in addition to an honour guard as well as representatives of the Serbian Army. The casket was brought to the Royal Compound in Dedinje and placed with full honours in the Royal Palace Chapel, St. Andrew the First Called, where Patriarch Irinej of Serbia served a requiem.

The late king's remains were exhumed last week in Libertyville, outside Chicago, Illinois, USA. According to B92.net, the reburial will take place at the Royal Mausoleum of St. George in Oplenac in the spring, together with the reburials of of King Peter II's mother Queen Marie (now buried at Frogmore, Windsor, UK), his wife Queen Alexandra (Tatoi, Greece) and his brother Prince Andrew (Andrej) (Most Holy Mother of God Serbian Orthodox Monastery, Third Lake, Illinois, USA).

For photos from the requiem, go to B92.net's Serbian version. For a video, go here. For photos of the late King Peter II, go to the Royal Family of Serbia's official website.

Press release
While I was working on the article above, the Office of Crown Prince Alexander sent the following press release by e-mail:

King Peter II Now in Royal Palace Chapel

Belgrade, 22 January 2013 – The casket of HM King Peter II of Yugoslavia arrived at Belgrade Airport Nikola Tesla at 2 pm today. The grandson of King Peter II, HRH Prince Alexander (grandson) accompanied the casket on the King Peter II last flight home.

Meeting the casket of HM King Peter II at the airport were Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine, Prince Peter, Prince Philip and Prince Alexander, together with Crown Princess Katherine’s daughter Alison, H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic, Prime Minister of Serbia and Prof. Dr. Oliver Antic, advisor to the President of Serbia H.E. Mr. Tomislav Nikolic, His Grace Vicar Bishop of Hvosno Atanasije and members of the Committee for the transfer of remains of members of the Royal Family, with the Serbian Army honour guard and representatives of the Army of Serbia.

The Remains of the late King were then escorted by the police to the Royal Chapel of St. Andrew the First Called beside the Royal Palace in Dedinje, the casket was saluted by a great number of citizens all the way from Belgrade Airport to the Royal Palace . The coffin of the late King, was then covered by a Serbian flag and Royal Regalia, and was placed in the Royal Chapel. His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia officiated the Requiem for the King, together with Their Graces Bishop Atanasije of Hvosno, Bishop Joanikije of Budimlje and Niksic and Bishop Andrej of Remeziana, in the presence of the Royal Family, Muhamed ef. Jusufspahic, Mufti of Serbia, other religious leaders, Prime Minister Ivica Dacic of Serbia , members of the Advisory bodies to the Crown and a huge number of citizens of Belgrade and Serbia who gathered in front of the Royal Chapel.

After the service, His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia emphasized in his address: "We have finally welcomed this sad and happy day, longly wished and expected . It is a day of historical importance for the entire Serbian people and its history“.

H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic, the Prime Minister of Serbia, also gave an address and expressed his satisfaction on behalf of the Government of Serbia, citizens of Serbia and in his own name, for "we are present here today at the first of the events planned for this year, that we bring back the bodies of our rulers to Serbia . Without the lineage of Karadjordje, Serbian history almost could not have been written. The Government of Serbia will do anything in its power for the remains of the other Karadjordjevic family members to be brought back to our country".

Professor Oliver Antic, PhD, advisor to the President of Serbia and member of the Board for the return of the remains of the Karadjordjevic Royal Family members, said: "the President of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Tomislav Nikolic said that he is today here together with us although he is paying an earlier planned official visit to a foreign country. Our country is being protected by justice and tradition. When these two elements are bonded, then we have the safety of the state and the people“.

After the service, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II, son of HM King Peter II, made a moving speech: “This is a very emotional time for me and my family. It is a dream come true. My father King Peter is finally home and soon to be with his ancestors in Oplenac. I would like to especially thank His Holiness Patriarch Irinej for being here today, and for all of his prayers. We gathered here today for this event full of dignity and historic symbolism. This year is the 90th Anniversary of the birth of my father, King Peter II, and 72 years since he had to leave his beloved country after the Nazi invasion, and to spend the rest of his life in exile. My father died forty two years ago, and was buried in a distant land, but surrounded by friends and people who were devoted to him. He often spoke about his desire to return home. Obviously, so much time had to pass by, so many historical events, for one historical injustice to be rectified, and one simple human wish to come true. It was my father's greatest desire to come back to his fatherland, because above all he loved his country and his nation. He often spoke about that, always when the two of us were together. Today, he finally came back to Serbia , to the country of his ancestors and his compatriots. He is coming back to help us to understand our history, and how to respect it. Today, all of us together are sending an important message from this place to the world: The citizens of this country pay respect to all of those who took part in creation of its history.

I would like to warmly thank our President Mr. Nikolic, and Prime Minister Mr. Dacic, on this joint endeavour, as well as the State Committee for transfer of remains of he members of Karadjordjevic Royal Family. I thank all members of the Government for their support. I owe special gratitude to Professor Oliver Antic, for his personal initiative and engagement.

The Royal Family warmly thanks His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia, His Grace Bishop Longin of Middle and Western America, the Army of Serbia, Guard and Gendarmerie, H.E. Mr. Vladimir Popovic, ambassador of Serbia to the United States of America, Mr. Desko Nikitovic, Consul General of Serbia in Chicago, Hon. Branko Terzic, lawyer Mr. Tom Karacic, Association “Sveta gora” and all those who contributed substantially over previous years that this event of historic importance for our nation and our state becomes possible.

Thank all of you who were persistent and helped us along the way. We brought the King back to his land. Welcome home father! May you rest in peace.”

 Updated on 22 January 2013 at 20:55 (press release added), last time on 23 January 2013 at 20:30 (minor text modifciation to stress that one will wait for the reburial of King Peter II until the remains of the three other members of the Karadjordjecic dynasty have returned to Serbia).

Remains of King Peter II of Yugoslavia to be transferred to Serbia on 22 January 2013

Late last week I wrote that the remains of King Peter II of Yugoslavia (1923-1934-1945-1970) were soon to be transferred home to Serbia. The Office of Crown Prince Alexander, head of the House of Karadjordjevic and son of the late king, confirmed in a press release today that the transfer would take place tomorrow, Tuesday 22 January:

Earthly remains of HM late King Peter II of Yugoslavia will be transferred to Belgrade, to the Royal Chapel of St. Andrew the First Called on Tuesday, 22 January 2013.

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine, Princes Peter, Philip and Alexander, together with Crown Princess Katherine’s daughter Alison, will wait for their father, grandfather and father in law at the Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport on 2 pm. H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic, Prime Minister of Serbia and Prof. Dr. Oliver Antic, advisor to the President of Serbia H.E. Mr. Tomislav Nikolic and member of the Committee for transfer of remains of members of the Royal Family, with representatives of the Army of Serbia will also attend the event.

His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia will serve the requiem for the late King starting on 3 pm, at the St. Andrew the First Called Royal Chapel in Dedinje.

Details of when King Peter II's coffin will be taken to the Royal Mausoleum at Topola outside Belgrade will be given later.

Remains of King Peter II of Yugoslavia to be brought home to Serbia

Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia (Serbia), only son of King Peter II of Yugoslavia (1923-1934-1945-1970), has for a long time wanted to bring his father's remains home for reburial in Serbia. King Peter II died in exile in Denver, Colorado in 1970 and was buried at the St. Sava Monastery Church in Libertyville north of Chicago, Illinois.

The Office of Crown Prince Alexander confirmed yesterday, 18 January 2013, that the plans to bring King Peter II's body home are finally to be carried out. According to Royal Musings, the remains will be brought home to Serbia on Tuesday 22 January 2013. I am sure more details will be given at Royalfamily.org, the website of Crown Prince Alexander, soon.

The reburial of King Peter II will take place only 3 months after the Yugoslavian Prince Paul (Pavle) (1893-1976), Princess Olga (1903-1997), née Princess of Greece, and Prince Nicholas (Nikola) (1928-1954), were brought home for reburial at Oplenac on Saturday 6 October 2012.

Queen Marie of Yugoslavia, née Princess of Romania (1900-1961), wife of King Alexander I of Yugoslavia and the mother of King Peter II, is interred at the Royal Burial Grounds at Frogmore, Windsor. I haven't read anything about it yet, but I wouldn't rule out a reburial for her as well tok take place at a later stage.

Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia's official Facebook page

The Office of HRH Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia (Serbia) announced today that it had turned all the Facebook profiles into one. The new profile can be found at http://www.facebook.com/NJ.K.V.Prestolonaslednik.Aleksandar.

Royal reburial in Serbia, Part I

The remains of the Prince Paul (1893-1976), Princess Olga (1903-1997) and Prince Nicholas (1928-1954) of Yugoslavia, who have been interred in a cemetery in Lausanne, Switzerland (Cemetery Bois-de-Vaux), were transported to Belgrade, Serbia on Thursday 4 October 2012. A Holy Litury was held at the St. Michael's Cathedral in Belgrade later the same day. The reburial takes place on Saturday 6 October 2012 in the crypt of St. George Church at Oplenac. The ceremony will be held with full state and religious honours.

The Office of the Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia (Serbia) issued the following statement yesterday:

THE ROYAL COUPLE ATTEND HOLY LITURGY IN HONOUR OF PRINCE PAUL, PRINCESS OLGA AND PRINCE NIKOLA AT ST. MICHAEL'S CATHEDRAL

Belgrade, 4 October 2012 - Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine attended this evening the arrival of the remains of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Paul, Princess Olga, and their son Prince Nicholas.

A Holy Liturgy was officiated by His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia and the Hierarchs of Serbian Orthodox Church Their Graces Bishop Jovan of Sumadija, Bishop Irinej of Australia and New Zealand, Vicar Bishop Porfirije of Jegar and Vicar Bishop Andrej of Remesiana at St. Michael's Cathedral in Belgrade.

The three coffins were brought into the Cathedral after the playing of the National Anthem of Serbia "Boze pravde“.

The President of Serbia, H.E. Mr. Tomislav Nikolic, Serbian Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic, Speaker of the House H.E. Mr. Nebojsa Stefanovic, HRH Prince Alexander (son) and HRH Princess Barbara, HRH Princess Elizabeth (daughter), HRH Princess Linda, HRH Prince George, HRH Prince Michael, HRH Prince Vladimir and HRH Princess Brigitta, Mrs. Catherine Oxenberg (daughter of HRH Princess Elizabeth),as well as ministers from the Serbian government, members of the diplomatic corps, religious and other officials were present at the arrival and during the Cathedral ceremony.

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine together with their sons His Royal Highness Hereditary Prince Peter and His Royal Highness Prince Philip will attend the ceremonies that will take place on Saturday, October 6 with other members of the Karadjordjevic Royal Family and distinguished guests at the St George Church at Oplenac, which will be held with full state and religious honours.

See also B92.net's article 28 September 2012, Serbian royals exhumed ahead of burial in homeland, as well as a photo of the former grave of Prince Paul at Gravestone.com and Findagrave.com.

Later article: Royal reburial in Serbia, Part II, published 7 October 2012.

This article was last time updated on Sunday 7 October 2012 at 20:05 (link added, subject title modified).

Memorial service for HM Queen Maria served by the Patriarch of Serbia at the Royal Chapel

The Office of HRH Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia (Serbia) issued a rather interesting press release today concerning a memorial service for HM Queen Maria served by the Patriarch of Serbia at the Royal Chapel today (22 June 2011):

«Belgrade, 22 June 2011 – His Holiness the Patriarch of Serbia Irinej served today at the Royal Chapel of St. Andrew the First Called a memorial service on the occasion of 50 years since the death of Her Majesty Queen Maria of Yugoslavia.

The service was held in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine, Prince Philip, Mrs. Alison Andrews, Mr. Manos Ioannidis, as well as members of the Advisory Bodies of the Crown.

After the service, His Holiness the Patriarch of Serbia Irinej said that all deceased members of the Karadjordjevic Royal Family should be buried in the Royal Crypt at the St George Church at Oplenac where they rightfully belong.

Following the commemoration, Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine and Prince Philip went to United Kingdom, where they will attend a memorial service that will take place in Frogmore, Windsor, where HM Queen Maria is buried.

This ceremony will also be attended by members of the Royal Family, HRH Prince Vladimir and HRH Princess Brigitte, HRH Princess Lavinia and her husband Mr Austin Prichard Levy, HRH Prince Dmitri, HRH Princess Katarina, Lady de Silva, Sir Desmond de Silva and Victoria de Silva. The graveside commemoration will be served by Father Milun Kostic, Father Radomir Acimovic and The Right Reverend David John Conner KCVO Dean of Windsor.

On the occasion of 50th anniversary since the death of Her Majesty Queen Maria of Yugoslavia , an exhibition was presented at the White Palace.

The exhibition will be open for public from Wednesday, 22 June to Tuesday, 5 July during the working week at 12.30pm. Everyone interested should call the Office of HRH Crown Prince Alexander on 011/ 306 4075 at least one day in advance.

The Yugoslav Queen, Queen Marija Karadjordjevic, was born in 1900 in the German City of Gotha in the castle of Duke Alfred of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and Edinburgh, as the third child of the Romanian Crown Prince Ferdinand and Maria Hohenzollern.

In 1922, when she was married His Majesty King Alexander I, the Romanian Princess became the Queen of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and later in 1929 she became the Queen of Yugoslavia. In 1923, she gave birth to the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Peter; in 1925 Prince Tomislav, and in 1928 Prince Andrej Karadjordjevic. Queen Maria dedicated most of her life to humanitarian work, and as such is remembered fondly by our nation and people. In the memory of the Yugoslavian people, she is remembered as a kind, generous, modest and emancipated woman – a true Queen.»

Guests at the British Royal Wedding 2011, one confirmation

Ever since the engagement between Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton was announced in November last year, royalty watchers and the media have been busy guessing about the guest lists to the wedding and reception.

Today we got the first official confirmation, as the Public Relations Office of HRH Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia (Yugoslavia) announced in a press release that Crown Prince Alexander and his wife Crown Princess Katherine have received an invitation from HM Queen Elizabeth to the wedding on 29 April 2011. Their Royal Highnesses say they are delighted to attend the marriage and are very happy for the young couple. Queen Elizabeth is, by the way, Crown Prince Alexander's godmother.

I am sure we will get far more details about the guest lists when we get closer to the wedding. Many courts will mention the royals' attendance in their lists of official engagements. There are some courts, however, which believe that attending a royal wedding is not an official engagement, so for some of the royals we just have to wait until they appear at Westminster Abbey. I am confident, though, that Buckingham Palace (or Clarence House) will publish the lists in due time.

Many have suggested that because it is not the heir to the British throne that is getting married, "only" the heir to the heir, the number of royal guests will be lower than we witnessed in 1981 when the Prince of Wales got married to Lady Diana Spencer. I think we can expect a great royal turn-up, though, and that most, if not all, of the European royal and princely families will be represented.

Concerning the speculations that have been going on, The Daily Mail claims to know that Sarah, Duchess of York, former wife of the Duke of York (Prince Andrew), is to receive an invitation. If the article is correct, I would not be that surprised, despite all the headlines the former duchess created last year (and in earlier years). But The Daily Mail has also claimed that President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have been "left off the guest list" as it is not a state occasion. I cannot understand why anyone would believe that they would be considered for an inviation in the first place. Then again we all know that The Daily Mail and other British tabloids should be read with a critical eye.

I will surely return with more comments on the guest lists as we get closer to the wedding.

Celebrations in Serbia

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on 21 September 2010. They were married in London on 21 September 1985.

In connection with the upcoming anniversary the couple has given an interview to the magazine Gloria. The interview, which in English translation is titled "All the secrets of our marriage", was published at the Official Website of the Serbian Monarchy on 13 September 2010. The original interview can be found here.

In advance I would like to wish the happy couple all the best for their big day!