[Владимир Петровић]

ANNOUNCEMENT



Royal Couple will attend First Serbian Women’s Forum “Making a difference” on Tuesday



HRH Crown Princess Katherine will address the Forum



Belgrade, 25 November 2013 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine will attend the First Serbian Women’s Forum “Making a difference” on Tuesday, 26 November 2013, at Hotel Metropol Palace in Belgrade. The official opening is scheduled for 9.30 am, and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Katherine will address the gathering at 11.15 am.



The most prominent women of the world of business, politics, media and education in Serbia will be key-note speakers at the Forum. Speakers will address different topics, such as “Women and power: Is it a men’s world?”, “Female leadership: A competitive edge for the future”, “Gender equality in the labor market”, “Climbing up the political ladder”, “Business Strategies to recruit and develop top female talents” and “Compete – Cooperate – Create”.



The Forum is organized by TGI, an International Company operating in Serbia and the region.

[Владимир Петровић]

Crown Prince Alexander at opening of exhibition “Njegos Chapel in Lovcen and architect Nikola Krasnov”

Belgrade, 26 November 2013 – His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II attended tonight the opening of the exhibition “Njegos Chapel in Lovcen and the architect Nikola Krasnov” at the Ethnographic Museum. The exhibition is dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the birth of Bishop Petar II Petrovic Njegos. The authors of the exhibition are Dragomir Acovic, chairman of the Crown Council, Gordana Gordic, Viktorija Kamilic and Biljana Crvenkovic.



As part of the exhibition opening ceremony, beside HRH Crown Prince Alexander, visitors were addressed by His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral, academician Vlado Strugar and Mr Matija Beckovic, academician and a member of the Crown Council, who officially opened the exhibition.



In his speech, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander emphasized: “Njegos does not need interpreters. He knew everything, and he said everything. It is us who need the interpreters, to understand how we happened to, all over again and to our own detriment, learn what he had clearly said to us so many years ago. This exhibition allows us to remember how much we owe Njegos, and reminds us how much both we and Njegos legacy owe to him and the other creator, architect Nikola Krasnov, who was commissioned by my grandfather King Alexander I to restore the burial Chapel and eternal abode of Bishop Rade”.



The exhibition follows the construction and the fate of the first Chapel, for which the foundation stone was laid by Njegos himself, its demolition, then the other Chapel, which is the work of the famous Russian architect Nikolai Krasnov, and its demolition and the construction of the mausoleum, designed by the Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic.



The programme, which will consist of speeches and lectures about Njegos’ personality and work, as well as works of art inspired by the spirit of one of the greatest rulers, poets and philosophers of the Serbian people, will be organized at the Ethnographic Museum, during the thirteen days of the exhibition, in the evening, from 26 November to 9 December.



The accompanying programme of the exhibition opening included His Grace Bishop Joanikije of Budimlje and Niksic, the authors of the exhibition Gordana Gordic and Dragomir Acovic , academician Miro Vuksanovic, Dimitrije Golemovic, Aleksandra Vranes, Milo Lompar, Nikola Kusovac, Predrag Dragovic, Dragan Lakicevic, Rajko Petrov Nogo, Nikola Sindik, Vico Dardic, Ana Milovanovic and others. The opening ceremony was enhanced by the “King Peter I” choir performance.

[Владимир Петровић]

Royal couple attend “Prima” International School in Belgrade new premises opening



Belgrade, 29 November 2013 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine attended tonight the opening of the new premises of the International School “Prima” in Belgrade.



Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine addressed distinguished guests and parents at the opening ceremony of the new premises of the International School “Prima”. In his speech, HRH Crown Prince Alexander II said: “Education is one of the priorities of our country. My family and I are putting a great effort into helping and promoting education for our students and professionals. My Foundation for Education is committed to advancing education and academic research in Serbia, as well as promoting Serbian cultural heritage. I hope the tide of the outflow of our young academics will change and we will soon see them come back in our country, but also that students from other countries come to Serbia as well.”



Guests were also addressed by HRH Princess Katherine who said: “We are gathered here to share the joy and celebrate with Prima International School next step into the world of international education. It is wonderful to see that, this school has done so well and through hard work and dedication proved its leading role in Serbia and worldwide. My husband and I, through our charity and our foundations are putting a great effort into fostering further education. Without the remarkable work of institutions like yours that are building foundations for further education we will not be so successful. I am overwhelmed with the spirit your school is teaching pupils from an early age on regarding generosity and kindness.”



Prima International School was established with the aim to meet the requirements of international and local families in Belgrade for a school that can provide a high level of quality education for students.

[Владимир Петровић]

Crown Princess opens International Women’s Club (IWC) Belgrade annual charity Bazaar


Belgrade, 1 December 2013 –Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine attended the opening of the International Women’s Club Bazaar (IWC) today in Hall Two of the Belgrade Fair. HRH Crown Princess Katherine officially opened the Bazaar.



HRH Crown Princess Katherine emphasised in her speech: ”Members of the International Women’s Club organise a Bazaar each year to collect funds for their humanitarian projects in our country. They put a lot of love and a lot of effort in organising this years’ event, the ninth in a row, to be as successful as previous ones. The record number of exhibitors – corporate sponsors are present this year to support this humanitarian event on the stands of their countries, through their representatives who work in Serbia as diplomats or business people. It has been a great success, and I sincerely congratulate you”.



The Charity Bazaar is the main fund-raising event for IWC Belgrade to support community projects. Funds collected are allocated to charities in Serbia that work with refugees, victims of human trafficking, people with disabilities, elderly and the education of Roma children.

[Владимир Петровић]

Royal Couple deeply saddened by the death of President Nelson Mandela



Belgrade 6 December 2013. Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine and family were deeply saddened by the death of President Nelson Mandela of South Africa.



His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander sent condolences to President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, the people of South Africa and President Mandela’s family. The Crown Prince said: “The world has lost a great statesman and liberator that everyone loved and admired. My wife, family and I extend our condolences to you, the people of South Africa and the family of President Nelson Mandela”.



Their Royal Highnesses will always remember meeting with President Nelson Mandela in Cape Town, South Africa and how much they enjoyed the conversations and the late President’s wisdom. It was also a great pleasure for Their Royal Highnesses to see President Nelson Mandela and President FW De Klerk together for the seventieth birthday of President FW de Klerk. Both presidents became good friends.

[Владимир Петровић]

ROYAL COUPLE HOSTS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENTS ON “CHILDREN HELPING CHILDREN” EDUCATIONAL TOUR



Belgrade, 11 December 2013 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine hosted the children from international schools as part of the “Children Helping Children” charity campaign.

The students from the International School of Belgrade, the British International School, the German International School, the Anglo-American International School, Prima International School, Brook Hill International School and the International Nursery School Belgrade 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 the chance to share the spirit of charity by donated gifts to their peers from Serbian orphanages. The idea was 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 Christmas receptions that Their Royal Highnesses organize at the White Palace in January.

[Владимир Петровић]

Princess Katherine attends “Cat in boots” German Embassy performance for children



Belgrade, 12 December 2013. – H.E. Mr Heinz Wilhelm, German Ambassador to Serbia, has invited Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Katherine, accompanied by her grandson Michael Garfinkel, to attend today the theatre show “Cat in boots“ in Bosko Buha theatre in Belgrade that is traditionally supported by the German Embassy every year for children from orphanages and socially vulnerable groups.



Her Royal Highness Crown Prince Katherine and Mrs Inge Vera Verler, First secretary of German Embassy, addressed the guests.



HRH Crown Princess Katherine said: “I am very happy to be with you again on the occasion of Christmas show, organised by the German Embassy. The German Ambassador and his wife continued this wonderful tradition and invited you to enjoy this show. My Foundation is also organizing receptions for thousand children each year for Christmas, and I want to assure you that you are always welcome to the White Palace”.



HRH Crown Princess Katherine’s Humanitarian foundation provided fifty tickets for free for children from all homes for children without parental care in Belgrade. The children were very happy that they were given a chance to enjoy this beautiful show and cherish the holiday season as all children deserve the magic of fairytales.

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ANNOUNCEMENT

Marks the 125th anniversary of the birth of HM King Alexander I of Yugoslavia

Belgrade, 12 December 2013 - Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine accompanied by members of the Privy Council, will attend on Monday, 16 December 2013th celebration of the 125th The birth of HM King Alexander I of Yugoslavia in the Royal Mausoleum Church of St. George at Oplenac.

His Grace Bishop šumadijski G. John will serve the Divine Liturgy in the Church of St George at 10:00 AM.

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ANNOUNCEMENT

St Andrew the First-Called - the patron saint of the Royal House KARADJORDJEVIC



Belgrade, 12 decembar 2013th - Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine will celebrate on Friday the 13th December at his home in Dedinje, Belgrade, Serbia, St. Andrew the First-Called, the patron saint of the Royal House Karadjordjevic.

[Владимир Петровић]

The last official flag of Imperial Russia was white-blue-red with a black two-headed eagle on a yellow background in the upper left-hand corner; this combination symbolized the union of the Tzar and His people. It was created at the will of the last Emperor, Tzar-Martyr Emperor Nicholas II, during the First World War. The following excerpt from the journal "Chronicles of War" for the years 1914 -15 describes this event:

" During these troubled times the sanctity of our nation's soul is upheld by a total and absolute union of its thoughts and feelings with those of the Tzar-Emperor.

That is why His Imperial Majesty has deemed it necessary to make this fact clearly evident before the whole world; from this day hence, as a sign of the strong union of an Orthodox Tzar and His faithful nation, in the Russian national flag, at the base (flagpole side), between the white and blue stripes (one quarter of the total length of both stripes) the Imperial Standard shall forever be placed (a black two-headed eagle on a gold background). This should be seen as a sign of love from the Tzar to all His people."

Chronicles of War, No. 4, for September 13, 1914, page 66 .

http://www.riuo.org/russianflag/russianflag.html

[Владимир Петровић]

Patron Saint Day celebration of the Royal Family
Saint Andrew the First Called



Belgrade, 13 December 2013 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine celebrated today The Royal Family’s Patron Saint Day – Saint Andrew the First Called in the Royal Palace in Belgrade.



In the morning, the Divine Liturgy was served in the Royal Chapel of Saint Andrew the First Called by His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia with the clergy of the Belgrade-Karlovci Metropolitanate, in the presence of Their Graces Bishop Lavrentije of Sabac, Bishop Ignatije of Branicevo, and Vicar Bishop Andrej of Remeziana.



The ceremony of the cutting of Slava cake followed in the Blue Room of The Royal Palace, and was officiated by His Grace Bishop Lavrentije of Sabac.



After the ceremony, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II decorated His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia with the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Star of Karadjordje. “The Royal Order of the Star of Karadjordje has always been a sign of the exceptional ones and the pride of the chosen… The Crown of the Karadjordjevic’s and my home have no greater and more important award for those who bear the burden of responsibility for Serbian nation, preservation of its moral and historic identity, its institutions and its spirit. It is with great joy and pride that I present Your Holiness the insignia of the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Star of Karadjordje. I pray to the Lord to give you long life, good health and strength to bear this great responsibility not as a burden, but as a reward. I wish you all the luck. Axios!” said the Crown Prince.



Expressing his gratitude for this high honour, His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia has said: “Your Royal Highness, I really miss the right words to express what I feel at this moment. I receive this high Order as gesture of gratitude of the Royal Home, but not just to me, but to all my great predecessors as well, who led our Church and our nation through very difficult times. I personally take a great burden, but I will pay my debt if I manage to fulfil all my obligations that our church and our nation put in front of me. Let our Lord, who led our ancestors in the past, be with us today. Thank you!”



The Holy Liturgy and Slava lunch were also attended by Mrs Alison Andrews, daughter of the Royal Couple with her son Mr Michael Garfinkel, the Rt. Hon Sir Desmond de Silva QC PC, and his daughter Victoria (whose godmother is HRH Crown Princess Katherine), Prof. Dr. Oliver Antic, councilor to President of Serbia, members of the Privy Council, Hon. Branko Terzic, Mr Dragomir Acovic, Dr Dusan Batakovic and Mr. Dusan Babac, members of the Crown Council Mr. Matija Beckovic, Mr. Dusan Kovacevic, Prof. Dr. Miroslav Gasic, Prof. Dr Dragoljub Kavran, Dr. Cedomir Antic, Mr. Vladan Zivulovic, Prof. Dr Slobodan Markovic, Dr Milan Parivodic, Mr. Djordje Djurisic, Mr. Darko Spasic, members of the Crown Cabinet, Mr. Milorad Savicevic, Prof. Dr Kosta Cavoski, Mr. Djurjde Ninkovic, Mr Mirko Petrovic, Mr Vladan Vukosavljevic, Mr. Mileta Radojevic, director of Government office for cooperation with churches and religious organisations, leaders and representatives of other churches, His Grace Djuro Gasparovic, Bishop of Srem, His Grace Janos Penzes, Bishop of Subotica, Reverend Leopold Rohmes, and many others.

[Владимир Петровић]

Royal Couple host Southeast Europe Media Law Moot Court Competition closing ceremony at The Royal Palace

Belgrade, December 16, 2013 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine hosted the closing ceremony of the seventh Southeast Europe Media Law Moot Court Competition, which was held tonight at the Royal Palace. In addition to the Royal Couple, the students were welcomed by HE Mr. Nikola Selakovic, Minister of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Serbia

HRH Crown Prince Alexander II welcomed the guests and emphasised: “There is almost no need to emphasise the importance of media law today. However, I want to say that it is the area of the greatest importance to the overall development of human society in the twenty-first century. In a world that is getting increasingly interconnected, issues such as the relationship between the right to free speech and privacy rights, the scope of the right to privacy of public figures, freedom of speech on social networks, or the liability of the Internet intermediaries, will have a key role to play in strengthening the rule of law. I am proud that the Faculty of Law of the University of Belgrade had the great honour to organize, for the second time this year, this regional competition, together with the University of Oxford. It is a great opportunity to connect one of the oldest educational institutions in Serbia with one of the most prominent universities in the world, which, among other things, is one of the goals of my Foundation for Education. Such co-operation will certainly contribute to the advancement of education and academic research, the promotion of democratic values and the creation of opportunities for further development of the talented young people and their personal fulfilment. I sincerely congratulate all participants and the winners of the competition, and I am sure they will honourably represent South East Europe in Oxford!”



HE Mr Nikola Selakovic, Minister of Justice and Public Administration of Republic of Serbia addressed the guests and emphasized: „Ministry of Justice and Public Administration, beside numerous other measures in the field of promotion and protection of human rights, fosters exchange of ideas in public disicuorse ... Ministry has decided this year to pay special attention to Media rights, and set up a special Court for cases from this field“.



The Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy at the University of Oxford for the seventh year in a row successfully organized the international competition for the students in the field of international media law. This year's competition, held in April 2013, was attended by over 80 universities from more than 30 countries from six continents. In addition to the final round in Oxford, the competition included three regional competitions, in India for the universities in Southeast Asia, Qatar for the teams from the Middle East, Belgrade for teams from South East Europe, as well as a national competition in Afghanistan. Based on the written submissions and victories at the qualifying events, 40 teams qualified for the final round in Oxford. The competition consists of solving a given case in the field of international media rights. This year, the students are engaged in solving problems, which included both classical media law issues, such as the relationship between the right to free speech and privacy rights, the scope of the right to privacy of public figures, freedom of speech on social networks, or the liability of the Internet intermediaries.



After the victory at Oxford in 2011, the Faculty of Law in Belgrade had the great honour in 2012, to organize, together with the University of Oxford, a regional competition for the Southeast Europe. This year, the University of Belgrade organised for the second time the regional round of the competition, both times with the support of Crown Prince Alexander’s Foundation for Education. Over 40 competitors and coaches participated in this project, as well as more than 30 judges, experts in media law from nine countries in the region.



The organization of the competition in Belgrade was financially supported by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia and the OSCE Mission to Serbia.

[Владимир Петровић]

Crown Prince Alexander II attends marking of Special Anti Terrorist Unit Day



Belgrade, 18 December 2013 – His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II accompanied by Prof. Dr Dragoljub Kavran, member of the Crown Council, attended today the marking of Special Anti Terrorist Unit Day, known in Serbia as Specijalna Antiteroristička Jedinica (SAJ).



SAJ celebrated its 35th Anniversary today. Wreaths were laid at the monument of SAJ members who sacrificed their lives on duty. Guests were addressed by SAJ Commander Colonel Spasoje Vulevic, director of Police Mr Milorad Veljovic and Prime Minister of Serbia and Minister of the Interior HE Mr Ivica Dacic.



HRH Crown Prince Alexander II congratulated members of the Special Anti-terrorist Unit on their superb training and great bravery.



SAJ is a special operations and tactical unit of the Serbian Police, trained for engagement in most complex anti terrorist operations. The motto of the unit is a proverb of Zivojin Misic, a great Serbian General from World War One: “Those who dare can make it, those who do not know fear, go forward”.

[Владимир Петровић]

Holiday Season Charity handicraft Bazaar under the patronage of HRH Crown Princess Katherine Foundation



Belgrade, 18 December 2013 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine, together with Mr. Vladimir Cucic, Commissioner for Refugees of the Republic of Serbia opened today the traditional Holiday Season Charity handicraft bazaar in “Dom Vojske” at Brace Jugovica 19 Street, Belgrade



The Bazaar is organized by HRH Crown Princess Katherine’s Foundation with the aim to help women refugees and internally displaced persons who have been trying for years to sustain them and their families by producing these beautiful handicrafts. Also, pupils from schools for children with developmental problems exhibit their works at this Bazaar.



“You will have a chance to enjoy these beautiful handicrafts created by these creative women and children with special needs from today until Friday. They supported their families through difficult times. Children with special needs also present their work that have been created as a part of working therapy. All proceed from this Bazaar will go to this brave women and their families. So, please invite your friends to come and buy Holiday Season gifts and also kindly inform them about this extraordinary event” – HRH Crown Princess Katherine pointed out in her speech.



On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Mrs Stana Bozovic, State secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Policy and president of Government’s Commission for gender equity addressed the guests as well as Mr. Vladimir Cucic, Commissioner for Refugees who welcomed the participants and expressed his gratitude to HRH Crown Princess Katherine and her Foundation for organizing this event, and to all those who made the effort to make it a success.

TRH Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine and Mr. Cucic then cut the ribbon and pronounced Bazaar open.

Among the attendees at the official opening were HE Archbishop Orlando Antonini, Apostolic Nuncio, HE Mr Heinz Wilhelm, ambassador of Germany, HE Mr Constantine Economides, ambassador of Greece, HE Mrs Mercedes Felicitas Ruiz Zapata, ambassador of Mexico, Mrs Oksana Smerechuk, president of International Women’s Club, other members of diplomatic corps, journalists and large number of citizens.

The Bazaar will be open every day from 10am to 8 pm until and including Friday, December 20, 2013.

[Владимир Петровић]

HRH Crown Prince Alexander II Christmas message – Gregorian calendar 2013

On the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the day of great joy for all Christians, I wish the citizens of Serbia and people across the world who celebrate Christmas the very best wishes from my family and myself. May everyone enjoy peace, love and happiness.

Christmas is also the time for people to come together, to give and to share and to be at peace, the time to build respect for each other that helps us all be stronger.

My family joins me in wishing all of you a peaceful and Happy Christmas and a very Happy New Year 2014.

Peace on Earth and goodwill for all!

Christ is born!

Alexander

[Владимир Петровић]

Traditional Christmas receptions at The White Palace

Belgrade, 4 January 2014 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine hosted today traditional Christmas receptions for over 1200 children without parental care at the White Palace in Belgrade.


Children without parental care, Roma children, refugee children and children with disabilities, from three to twelve years old, from Orphanages and Organisations from all over Serbia had the opportunity to celebrate the joy the Christian holiday together with Their Royal Highnesses at The White Palace. His Grace Bishop Jovan of Lipljan, explained to the children the meaning of Christmas and its importance.

Three receptions were held so all children could equally enjoy the Christmas musical programme, ballet dancers from “M” Studio, animations from “Cigra” and presents that brought them plenty of joy.



Members of the Diplomatic Corps HE Mr Harold Augustus Koko, ambassador of Nigeria, as well as Mrs Kathy Fanslow, President of the Board of Lifeline Chicago and her daughter Ms Tracy Armstrong with whose grace and generosity the toys for were gathered, helped Their Royal Highnesses to give gifts to children.



These receptions wouldn’t be possible without the great help of Lifeline Chicago, operating under the patronage of HRH Crown Princess Katherine and NIS AD and thanks to gifts received from various donors, such as:



Embassies: Austria, Belarus, Canada, European Union, Finland, France, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Nigeria, Palestine and Spain.



Companies: Coca Cola Hellenic Srbija, Idea d.o.o., Alco Group, BB MINAQUA Paracinka Paracin, Samsung, Cokolend, Vrabac Company from Pozarevac, Curug, Ishrana Product, Loreal Balkan, Baloon centre, Bakery Industry Pancevo AD, Fanico doo, Sweet Family, Mega Plast, MPT doo from Sremski Karlovci, Swisslion d.o.o, Var Valjevo, Nursery Garden “Lepo polje“, Ljig, Remi Jagodina, Elixir natura, Sabac and generous individual donation from Mrs. Maya Le Roux, who is a great friend of the Royal Couple and supporter of their humanitarian activities.



International schools: International School of Belgrade, The British International School of Belgrade, Brook Hill International School, Anglo-American School of Belgrade, PRIMA International School, The International Nursery School, Rudjer Boskovic School and Deutche Schule Belgrade.



Their Royal Highnesses express special gratitude to NIS AD which has been a strategic partner of the Royal Couple in this particular event.