[Ројалист]

International Women’s Day March 8 Princess Katherine’s letter regarding women’s health in Serbia

Belgrade, 7 March 2015 – Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Katherine extended her congratulations to the women of Serbia on International Women’s Day 8 March, and said in her letter:

“I am very proud of the women of our country because they are strong, focused, proud and responsible. During these difficult times for Serbia and our society, we have to be aware of our responsibilities as women in Serbia. We must continue our struggle to preserve our families, and to realize a better and happier future for our children and our country.

Women have always been the cohesion factor in our society, a silent majority that has supported progress and change. From our experience we can tell that women show better comprehension of social problems and injustices, and better understanding of problems of everyday life. Therefore, we must succeed in equal representation of women in all segments of society, and especially in places where most important decisions regarding the future of this country are made.

My Foundation has been implementing programmes for cervical cancer prevention and breast cancer prevention for several years, and by doing that trying to help to solve two major health problems of our women. I would like to make an appeal to all our women today, to take better care of their health, and to visit their doctors on a regular basis, because prevention and early detection is the best way to combat these diseases.

As daughters, wives and mothers we have a responsibility to our families and society to look after ourselves. I will try to do everything I can to help women’s health in our country and I will be with you.”

Public Relations
The Royal Palace, Belgrade 11040, Serbia

[Ројалист]

Александар Карађорђевић Facebook

Our athletes have been proving us for years, by their example, that dedicated and consistent work of each of us, can present Serbia to the world as a country of winners, of civilized, hardworking and successful people. They are a great example not only for young people in our country but for the entire nation. Our gold winning athletes are a proof that Serbia has the power to shine brighter and far more powerful than much bigger countries around the world.

Ivana, thank you for giving us today, like many times before, a great example, and because, thanks to your success, the Serbian anthem echoed in Europe today! Congratulations on winning the gold!

[Ројалист]

Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Prince Katherine at United Nations charity with Their Excellencies Mr. Ban Ki-moon and Mrs Ban Soon-Taek

United Nations, New York, 8 March 2015 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Prince Katherine attended the UN Women for Peace Association charitable event at the United Nations in New York with Their Excellencies Mr. Ban Ki-moon and Mrs Ban Soon-Taek.

The UN Women for Peace Association, Inc. was founded in 2008, under the patronage of H.E. Mrs. Ban Soon-taek, the wife of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The association helps to advance the goals of academic and charitable organizations that provide opportunities for women to partake in the global peace building process through social, cultural, educational and women empowerment programs.

Much of the energy UN Women for Peace Association is directed toward raising funds for the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women. The UN Trust Fund, established by the General Assembly in 1996 and managed by UN Women, focuses in particular on developing countries, countries in conflict, and post-conflict settings. The UN Women for Peace Association is dedicated to activities that promote tolerance and respect toward the creation of a peaceful world. UN Women for Peace Association envision a world in which women everywhere have the same opportunities:

- Access to education;

- Opportunities to impact the societies around them in a meaningful and positive capacity;

- Freedom to live in peace, in an environment characterized by tolerance, respect, empowerment, and hope; and

- Protection from violence and freedom from the threat of violence.

[Ројалист]

Crown Prince Alexander’s message on the occasion of the eleventh anniversary of the violence in Kosovo and Metohija

Belgrade, March 16, 2015 – On the occasion of the eleventh anniversary of the violence against Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander has issued the following statement:

“Today we remember with sadness the distressing events that happened to the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, when 19 people were killed, over 950 people injured, over 900 Serbian, Roma and Ashkali homes burned, 4,000 people exiled, 39 Serbian churches and monasteries demolished and desecrated. Even today, 11 years after the pogrom, the Serbs who, for fear of further violence and pogroms left their native land, are not allowed to return to their ancestral homes. Their fate is difficult and uncertain, and sorrow for the lost native land is great.

Therefore, I appeal to all representatives of international organizations, representatives of the government and all political parties to do everything in their power to overcome these conflicts problems, so that life continues where it was interrupted. To enable all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic origin, to live in harmony and mutual respect, and to provide conditions for a dignified life.

Today we must all together send our prayers to the Lord that such a disaster never happens again, and never be forgotten” – said the Crown Prince in his statement.

[Ројалист]

Royal Council for Entrepreneurship hosts Finnish Sauna Startup accelerator at The Royal Palace

The Royal Council for Entrepreneurship organized the visit of the Finnish accelerator Startup Sauna, that gave local startup companies an opportunity to get acquainted with another European accelerator today at the Royal Palace, while local startups had an opportunity to present themselves in standard 3 minutes pitches, and then to attend 1-on-1 mentor sessions. Beside Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine and their daughter Mrs Alison Andrews who hosted the “Startup Sauna” at the Royal Palace, the event was attended by HE Mr. Pekka Orpana, the ambassador of Finland in Serbia, as well as by the delegations of the EU and the World Bank.

Crown Prince Alexander pointed out that he is very proud that the Royal Council for Entrepreneurship, for the second year in a row, has managed to bring the Finnish accelerator in Serbia, enabling local startups to be introduced to the accelerator such as the Startup Sauna at the Royal Palace, this year, too. “My family and I will continue, just like in previous years, to provide maximum support to the development of the local Startup community”.

HE Mr. Pekka Orpana, the ambassador of Finland in Serbia emphasized: “It is wonderful that Startup Sauna was here again, and I am sure it is not the last time. Finland and Serbia could be prosperous only if we have innovative people like you are. Also, it is important that we have organizations like Startup Sauna, the Innovation Fund and the Royal Council for Entrepreneurship”.

The winner teams mBrainTrain, Gaming Battle Ground and Vandalert have got a chance to become part of five weeks free mentor program in Finland, where they could meet many successfull enterprenuers and investors.

Startup Sauna is the one of most prominent Scandinavian accelerators, which connects startups from North and Eastern Europe and Russia. 109 companies have been through their programs so far, that have raised 34 million US dollars investments. Beside feedback and validation of their business models, best startups had an opportunity to be chosen for the program of this accelerator, which includes 5 weeks stay in Helsinki and participation at one of Europe’s biggest startup events – Slush, that has gathered 1,200 startups from 70 countries, 300 angel investors and 100 VC funds last year.

Royal Council of Entrepreneurship has invited this accelerator first of all because it provides an added value for startups through individual sessions with mentors, and 8 to 10 chosen teams in Belgrade will have this opportunity. Three mentors from this accelerator as well as several of them from Belgrade have granted 20 minutes to each participant.

Relying on the expertise and aggregate knowledge and experience of its founders, the Council operates under the aegis of the Royal Palace with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander acting as its Patron. The principle aims of the Council’s mission are to facilitate coordination and collaboration among Serbia’s leading organizations involved in the development and support of entrepreneurship and innovation. The Royal Council for Entrepreneurship also provides a single voice to the media, the Serbian government and industry regarding the needs of investors and opportunities available to them. The founding members of the Council are the Serbian Private Equity Association (SPEA), the Serbian Business Angels Network (SBAN), the Innovation Fund, the Business Technology Incubator of the Technical Faculties of Belgrade (BITF), Serbian Venture Network (SeVeN – Belgrade Venture Forum), SEE ICT and Startup Weekend Belgrade.

[Ројалист]

The Royal Couple host Duke of Edinburgh Award presentation ceremony at the Royal Palace

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine hosted the Duke of Edinburgh Award presentation ceremony for the students of the British International School in Belgrade tonight at the Royal Palace.

“I am very glad you have taken your training seriously and you work on your personal and business skills, because it guarantees that one day we will have good allies in the efforts to modernize our country”, said HRH Crown Prince Alexander in his speech at the ceremony, and emphasized the importance of education in the process of building a modern Serbia.

The support of HRH Crown Prince Alexander and HRH Crown Princess Katherine to the initiatives that encourage young people to improve their knowledge and skills is part of a broader effort to contribute to the rapid modernization of our society and to help young people to build their future in Serbia.

“It’s hard to find words that could express my joy and excitement over the fact that the British International School students have achieved an outstanding result in this demanding and important event. This is one of the biggest successes in the history of the school and for the second time in the Balkans” – said the British International School Principal Ms Aleksandra Keserovic.

On this occasion twelve Duke of Edinburgh Awards were presented to the best students of the British International School. This prestigious award was established in 1956 and is awarded every year to the students age 14 to 24 who have successfully completed the programs especially designed to increase their social skills and employability. These programs are also aim to increase physical readiness.

Every year more than 275,000 young people across the globe compete for the Duke of Edinburgh Award which has three ranks – bronze, silver and gold. In order to qualify, the students volunteer in humanitarian activities, develop their physical culture as well as their talents, with the aim to become useful members of their communities. The young laureates have also participated in the work programs in order to acquire working ethics and skills that will increase their employability.

HRH Crown Prince Alexander was one of the winners of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which he won during his schooling in Scotland.

[Ројалист]

Crown Princess Katherine Foundation hosts reception on the occasion of the National Day Against Breast Cancer at the Royal Palace

Belgrade, March 19, 2015 – HRH Princess Katherine and her Humanitarian Foundation organized a reception marking the National Day Against Breast Cancer at the Royal Palace in Belgrade. On that occasion, the book “Living like before”, which conveys the life stories of the members of the Society for the fight against cancer from Sombor who survived this often fatal disease.

Beside Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine, the hosts at the Royal Palace, this event was also attended by Dr. Djerdji Saric, NALOR representative from Sombor, Tamara Klikovac, psychologist from the Institute for Oncology and Radiology, Mrs Sara Gojkovic, mother of Speaker of the Parliament of Serbia, Jovan Knezevic, Assistant Secretary for Health of the City of Belgrade, Ljiljana Habjanovic Djurovic, writer, representatives of the diplomatic corps and the members of the association NALOR whose stories are told in the book.

In her speech, HRH Princess Katherine said: “Breast cancer is a disease that affects many women, but thanks to these wonderful women we know that no battle is lost in advance. I want to assure you that my Foundation continues to work on the projects that will allow the rate of breast cancer to decrease. The key for breast cancer is early detection. Therefore, women should follow up on all exams”.

HRH Crown Princess Katherine Humanitarian Foundation is very active in the field of prevention and treatment of breast cancer in Serbia. It donated the first digital mobile mammography unit to Clinical Center in Nis worth over Euros 700,000 in 2009, which has been used so far to perform mammography check-ups on more than 100,000 women in Southern Serbia. Analog mammography machine was donated to the Clinical Center Bezanijska Kosa in 2007, donation of Radiology Mammography International organisation from Akron, Ohio. Founder of this organization, Prof. Richard Hirsh, M.D., F.A.C.R, and his team conducted a professional training during their visit to Serbia. Another analog mammography machine was donated to the Health Center of Cuprija in 2009. An ultrasound machine with biopsy has was donated to the Institute for Oncology and Radiology in Belgrade in January 2012, and another one was delivered to Clinical Center in Nis in May 2013.

In cooperation with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer center in New York, and under auspices of Ministry of health of Serbia, three medical conferences on breast cancer, cervical cancer and lung cancer screening for more than 1,000 doctors in Serbia were organized in 2008, 2009 and 2011.

Thanks to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Lifeline New York Humanitarian Organization donations worth US$ 100,000, 15 medical doctors from Serbia were sent for training in New York.

Twenty more doctors were trained in Anderson and Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas, and this cooperation will continued in the future. We are pleased that we can announce that the first sequencer for BRKA testing for breast cancer genes will be in Serbia in less than a month at the Institute for Oncology and Radiology. This valuable equipment was purchased by joint efforts of the Crown Princess Katherine Foundation, Hemofarm Foundation, the company Astra Zeneca and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation from New York.

By organizing this event, HRH Princess Katherine and her Foundation wish to emphasize the importance of prevention and the need for regular check-ups. Also, the importance of support that women who suffer from this devastating disease should receive from their families and from society during their treatment and recovery.

[Ројалист]

Crown Prince Alexander at the opening of the 52nd International Motor Show in Belgrade

20/03/2015

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander attended the opening ceremony of 52nd International Motor Show in Belgrade at the Belgrade Fair today. The Motor Show was officially opened by HE Mr Zeljko Sertic, Minister of Economy.

Crown Prince Alexander visited the stands of Fiat, Mercedes and Toyota, accompanied by Mrs Marija Labovic, deputy director of the Belgrade Fair.

The International Motor Show in Belgrade is the oldest official international exhibition of the road vehicles in this part of Europe and is gathering the World leading vehicle manufacturers, parts and equipment. Moreover, the participation of entire domestic car and ancillary industry, as well as the presence of the traditional exhibitors in the region confirm its leader position and importance.

The 52nd International Motor Show in Belgrade will be open from March 20th till March 29, 2015 at the Belgrade Fair.

[Ројалист]

We always remember the victims of the NATO bombing

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander issued a statement regarding March 24, the 16th Anniversary of the NATO bombing of Serbia:

“With great sadness we remember the terrible aggression and suffering imposed upon all our citizens, our country, and those that were tragically killed and their families. This was an unprecedented event of total aggression in Europe since World War Two that was not authorised by the United Nations.

Sixteen years later Serbia is still trying hard to recover from the appalling bombing on the people, our country and destroyed infrastructure. Once again, regrettably, it is confirmed that violence only produces more violence and pain, and that a permanent solution for the region of the former Yugoslavia and elsewhere can be found only in a peaceful way.

The lives that were lost and those who were injured must never be forgotten, they will always remain in our hearts.

[Ројалист]

Crown Prince Alexander opens exhibition “General Mihailovic – the First Freedom Fighter in Occupied Europe” at the White Palace

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine hosted the opening of the exhibition “General Mihailovic – the First Freedom Fighter in Occupied Europe” at the White Palace in Belgrade tonight. The reception at the White Palace was prepared in honour of the premiere of the film “For King and the Country” by Rados Bajic.

Welcoming the guests, HRH Prince Alexander said: “It is a great pleasure for my wife and me to welcome you this evening at the opening of the exhibition “General Mihailovic – the first freedom fighter in occupied Europe“, set by Mr Dusan Babac, the member of the Privy Council. The opening of this exhibition coincides with the premiere of the film “For King and Country” and I wish to especially thank Mr Rados Bajic for his exceptional work of art. In April 1941, Colonel Mihailovic, with several hundred officers and men, created the first resistance movement in the Second World War, not only of Yugoslavia, but of all Europe. Just as he was the first to resist German occupation, General Mihailovic was the first to fight against the brutal communist dictatorship. The process of his legal rehabilitation began in 2006 and I sincerely hope it is going to be finalized very soon. National reconciliation may rest only on truth, correction of injustice and forgiving. Historic processes and persons are examined for many years and certainly “generations judge deeds”. Our country needs more unity, fairness and justice for all. Let us pray for all those who lost their lives on all sides!” said the Crown Prince.

Addressing the audience, the author of “For King and Country” Mr Rados Bajic said: “At the end of the hard and thorny road on which I found myself, I guess by the will of God – after a ten-episodes of the TV series “Ravna Gora”, whose wings were cut short just as it lifted off – the film “For King and Country” is my farewell to the theme which for more than seven decades was forbidden, marginalized and buried in lies, single-mindedness and dishonour. I am saying goodbye, although we’ve only just begun. When I see you tonight, in such great numbers, with hearts open for truth and justice – I do not regret what I started” – said Mr Bajic.

The special honour to the opening of this exhibition was the attendance of HE Mr Heinz Wilhelm, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Serbia.

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine will attend tonight at 8:30 pm the premiere of “For King and Country” at the Sava Centre in Belgrade.

After the projection, the audience will be addressed by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander, who will award Mr Rados Bajic, the author of the film “For King and Country” the Order of the Crown 3rd Class for the merits for the Royal House, the country, and the common good.

The exhibition “General Mihailovic – The First Freedom Fighter in Occupied Europe” will be open every day until 3 April 2015. All citizens who are interested to visit this interesting exhibition, may do so group tours, from 10:00 am with a mandatory notification by phone: 011 306 4000 or via e-mail kancelarija@dvor.rs

The Royal Palace Fund would like to thank the Yugoslav Archives, the Archives of SASA, the Embassy of France in Serbia, the US Embassy in Serbia, members of the Crown Council academician Matija Beckovic and Mr Slobodan Markovic, Mr Miloslav Samardzic, Mr Branko Jevtic , Mr Aleksandar Colic, Ms Aleksandra Rebic and Mr Branko Petrovic from the United States for their generous assistance and contributions to the exhibition.

[Ројалист]

Crown Prince Alexander officially opens EnerTech Balkans 2015 Conference in Belgrade

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander officially opened the EnerTech Balkans 2015 Conference at Hyatt Regency Hotel today in Belgrade.

HRH Crown Prince Alexander emphasized in his opening address: “It gives me great pleasure to open the 3rd annual EnerTech Balkans conference and greet all of you at this excellent opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen existing and create new business connections. As green and renewable energy plays more and more an important role in our every-day lives I am very pleased that the organisers chose Belgrade to host this pan-Balkan event and am happy to see here the representatives from the most important companies in the region involved in deployment of renewable energy projects, both wind and hydro. Serbia has an enormous potential to become a regional hub for hydro and wind energy and it is my hope that many new projects will be developed over the course on next years, creating jobs and strengthening energy independence of the country.”

[Ројалист]

Royal Couple at the Film premiere of “For King and Country” at the Sava Centre in Belgrade

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine attended last night the premiere of “For King and Country” by author Rados Bajic at the great hall of Sava Centre in Belgrade, in front of a huge audience.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander decorated Mr Rados Bajic, the author of the film “For King and Country” with the Order of the Crown 3rd Class for the merits for the Royal House, the country, and the common good.

In his address, Crown Prince Alexander emphasized: “I am very happy and proud that the premiere of the film “For King and country” has drawn such great interest of the public. No one can erase history, and history always puts all events and all figures in the right place. I wish to especially thank Mr Rados Bajic for his exceptional production. I am sure this film will significantly contribute to the clarification of recent history of Serbia. That is why I have decided to award the Order of the Crown to Mr. Rados Bajic! Finally, let us pray for all those who lost their lives on all sides!”

Crown Prince presented flowers to female members of the film crew, and was awarded with a huge applause from the audience.

Rados Bajic sincerely thanked the Crown Prince for a great honour.

Film “For King and Country” conveys a profound anti-war and humane message. It is dedicated to all patriots who defended their country in 1941, and pays respect to highest freedom seeking aspirations of Serbian people.

[Ројалист]

ANNOUNCEMENT

Opening the traditional Easter bazaar of handicrafts under the auspices of the Foundation Princess Katherine

Belgrade, March 26, 2015 - On Friday, 27 March 2015 at 10 am in the house Djura Jaksic (Skadarska 34) in Belgrade, will be opened the traditional Easter Bazaar of women refugees and displaced persons, which this year takes place under the patronage of HRH Crown Princess Katherine.

[Ројалист]

Children from international schools guests at the Royal Palace on an educational tour and “Children helping children”

Belgrade, 26 March 2015. – Children from Belgrade international schools visited the Royal Palace during the last two days as part of the “Children Helping Children” charity campaign traditionally organized by Crown Princess Katherine Foundation for the forthcoming holidays and Easter holidays.

The students from the International School of Belgrade, the British International School, the German International School, the Brook Hill School and the International Nursery School had the opportunity to listen to the professional tour guide who told them interesting facts about the history of the Palace and the works of art that adorn it, as part of the Royal Compound tour. The students had a chance to share the spirit of charity by donating gifts to their peers from Serbian orphanages. The idea is that the children learn about charitable activities and how to help their peers from homes for children without parental care, children with disabilities and Roma children.

The gifts that the students generously donated to their friends will be presented at the traditional Easter receptions that Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine organize at the White Palace on Tuesday, April 7, 2015.

Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine greeted the children and talked to them about the importance of giving, emphasizing that they are proud of them, because even being so young, they have awareness and compassion to help their peers and make their holidays great with many different types of toys, stressing that this compassion is a prerequisite to become good people when they grow up.