The Wedding of the Hereditary Prince zu Hohenlohe-Bartenstein

The upcoming wedding of Hereditary Prince Maximilian zu Hohenlohe-Bartenstein and his fiancée, Cristina Vozzi Castriota Scanderbeg is scheduled to take place in Rome on 25 May, 2013.

The venue chosen by the couple is the Church of Santa Maria del Priorato, piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. This ancient structure, in existence since the X Century, is the priory church of the Priory of the Knights  of Malta n te Aventine Hill. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_del_Priorato)

The bride is the daughter of Ambassador don Ruggero Vozzi Castriota Scanderbeg and of his wife Suzzane Vozzi Castriota Sacnderbed du Chesne.

Maximilian is the eldest son of Fürst Ferdinand zu Hohenlohe-Bartenstein and of his late wife, the former Princess Franziska zu Oettingen-Oettingen und Oettingen-Spielberg. The Hereditary Prince Maximilian was born in Munich on 29 March 1972. He has four siblings: Felix, born in 1973 (married since 2012 to doña Cristina Gutiérrez-Maturana-Larios, a daughter of the late Marqués de Larios and his second wife); Alice, born in 1978 (and married since 2011 to Prince Christian zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg); Margherita, born in 1979; and Georgina, born in 1982 (married since 2011 to Count Clemens Douglas).

The groom, who ran for his local city council under the banner of the CDU, believes it to be his duty to "not only passively participate in the political process." He wanted to, "achieve the best for the community of Schrozberg." 

He works as a mason and stone carver and owns a company that also works in restoration of historial monuments.

Fürst Ferdinand, a widower since 2011, is the brother of Princess Franziska (wife of Baron Maximilien de Watteville-Berckheim) and of Princess Henriette (wife of Count Hans-Veit zu Toerring-Jettenbach, Head of House).

New Book: Definitely Royal ... more or less!

We are now finally able to sell this book to our clients. Enjoy!


Fans of Robert Golden's two previous books, "Relatively Royal" and "The Golden Book of Royalty" are in for a treat! This third volume of Royal pictures, inside information and tidbits, focusing the junior branches, the lesser known members of Queen Victoria's extended family, will disappoint no one. The author's fondness for the people he is describing and his inimitable writing style has attracted thousands of regal readers all over the world. Read about the Mountbattens, the Athlones, the Cambridges, the Gloucesters and Kents, the Fifes and Connaughts as well as the four rather unknown sisters of the Duke of Edinburgh and their families. Even the Bowes-Lyons and the Snowdons are there ...


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9198064509

ERHJ: Eurohistory Issue XCI (February 2013) Off to Print!

The latest number of EUROHISTORY (Issue XCI – Volume 16.1) is off to the printers Monday!

This is the first issue of the current subscription year (2013) and will begin mailing as soon as it returns to us from the printer.

Inside this issue, readers will find the following articles:

1. What's In a Photo: A Royal Visit to the Court of Tsar Alexander III of Russia.

2. An Imperial Wedding in Washington DC – Archduke Imre of Austria Marries Miss Kathleen Walker.

3. Books Reviews.

4. The "Inhuldiging" – The Solemnization of the Dutch Monarch's Accession to the Throne.

5. Murder in Marseille – The Assassination of King Alexander I of Yugoslavia.

6. The Reburial of King Zog of the Albanians.

7. What's In a Name?

8. Obituary: Princess Margarita of Baden.

9. Royal News.


For subscribers who need to send their renewal, we have attached a copy of the form as well as a link where to download the 2013 Eurohistory Renewal.

2013 Renewal Form:

https://www.yousendit.com/dl?phi_action=app/orchestrateDownload&rurl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.yousendit.com%252Ftransfer.php%253Faction%253Dbatch_download%2526send_id%253D2019096964%2526email%253D5272498a54d3253c4f0115eef152d990&s=19105&cid=tx-02002208350200000000

New Book – Russia and Europe

Very happy to see that AMAZON is preparing for the start of sales of ou newest book, Russia and Europe – Dynastic Ties. They begin selling copies the week of April 15!


This volume excellent book authored by Galina Korneva and Tatiana Cheboksarova includes nearly 600 photos, an overwhelming majority among them collected from the main archives of Russia and several European countries. The moment captured by these original photos is able, often times, to tell the reader far more about the unique world of royalty and aristocracy than countless pages of text. The authors also relied on important information obtained from Russian and foreign periodicals, memoirs and scientific literature. The English-language version of this book was expanded with contributions written by Arturo Beéche, founder of Eurohistory and publisher of Eurohistory (The European Royal History Journal). He is an expert on European Royalty, as well as author of more than a dozen books about the various royal families that have shaped the continent's history.

USA price: $49.95 plus $8 shipping and handling. International shipping and handling: $24.00–WE SHIP WORLDWIDE!!



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985460326

UK: Duke of Kent Doing Well After Mild Stroke

The Duke, who is 77, was taken ill on Sunday night but staff in his private office went out of their way to make clear that his condition is "not serious" and he is expected to resume his royal duties in due course.

The fact that he has only cancelled engagements for the next three weeks will increase speculation that he suffered a so-called "mini stroke" or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), which is caused by a momentary lack of blood to the brain.

People who suffer from TIAs are typically told they must not drive for a month, a similar timeframe to the one the Duke has given himself to get back to work.

The Duke was taken to University College Hospital in London on Sunday night before being transferred to the King Edward VII Hospital, where the Queen was treated this month for symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Palace sources said his stroke was “mild” and he has been well enough to speak to royal household staff since he was admitted to hospital.

Continue reading...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/9948884/Duke-of-Kent-spends-another-day-in-hospital-after-mild-stroke.html

©PA

Monaco: Princess Caroline a Granny!

Princess Caroline of Hanover is the proud grandmother of a boy born Thursday, March 21. Her eldest son, Andrea Casiraghi and his future wife, Tatiana Santo Domingo, just had their first child.

In a statement, the Palace said that the mother and child are doing well. It is not yet the name and place of birth, but it is rumored that the birth took place in London.

http://www.monacomatin.mc/derniere-minute/monaco-la-princesse-caroline-de-hanovre-est-grand-mere.1184490.html

http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2013032211736/tatiana-santo-domingo-baby/

 Andrea Casiraghi

HRH Princess Caroline of Hannover (née Monaco) 

 Andrea Casiraghi

Saxe-Coburg & Gotha: Prince Andreas Turns 70!

Today, HH Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha, Head of House, celebrates his 70th birthday surrounded by family and loved ones.

The Prince, as Head of House, is the chief of the Saxe-Coburg & Gotha dynasty, famed for having provided not only Queen Victoria's consort, Prince Albert, but also dynasties to Belgium and Bulgaria, as well as consorts to the rulers of many European kingdoms (Portugal, Saxony, Romania, Russia, etc...).

Coburg dynastic marriage policy brought the family of the Dukes of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha untold prominence across the European continent in a matters of a few years. Historians called the Coburgs, "the stud farm of Europe," due to the dynasty's uncanny ability to marry extremely well.

Prince Andreas, as it turned out, was the only son of Prince Friedrich Josias (1918-1998) and of his first wife (and first cousin), the former Countess Viktoria Luise zu Solms-Baruth. The mothers of bride and groom were sisters. Theirs was a wartime wedding celebrated at Casel, the bride's family seat, in January 1942. Andreas was born in Casel nearly fourteen months later on 21 March 1943.

Sadly, as was the case with many wartime weddings, Friedrich Josias and Viktoria Louise, once war ende din 1945, found it impossible to make their marriage work. Divorce ensued in 1946 and both former spouses established relationships with others. Friedrich Josias went on to marry twice more, producing children with his second wife, while Viktoria Luise met and fell in love with an American officer and relocated to the USA. In tow with his mother and her second husband was Prince Andreas, who was raised in America.

In the late 1950s Andreas began visiting his German relations as it was expected that he would, one day, inherit what remained of his family's once vast wealth in Thuringia and Austria. The following decade witnessed Andreas finally relocating to Germany to course further studies, while training to become the administrator of his family's estates. He began attending royal events and reestablished connections with many of his royal cousins. However, this did not lead to marriage within the confining bounds of the Gotha. Andreas met a lovely girl from Northern Germany (Hamburg) and eventually married Carin Dabelstein in 1971. The marriage, although unequal under the old house rules, was approved by Andreas' father, who himself had entered a similar marriage with his third wife. Times were changing and the Coburgs did not have an abundance of princes to carry the family's standard. In fact, the Coburgs were among the first of the old German dynasties to quietly change marriage policy and relax the previously oppressive rules that governed such alliances. Princess Carin was not to disappoint for she was an indefatigable companion to her husband and continues to be much liked by the people of Coburg.

Prince Andreas and Princess Carin had three children: Stephanie, Hubertus and Alexander. Only Hubertus is married. His wife is an American lady, Kelly Rondesvedt, whose arrival in Coburg was received with great enthusiasm in 2009. In fact, one can easily argue that Hubertus and Kelly's wedding was "the" royal event of Summer 2009 as it was a great celebration attended by a large number of royals from across Germany and Europe.

Prince Andreas has been an extremely successful administrator of his family's properties. On top of that, he has developed a keen interest in the history of his dynasty and uses his various palaces as venues for excellent exhibitions on the history of the Saxe-Coburg & Gotha. Also, with German reunification, the Prince gained control of property that had been lost to Communism in the immediate post-1945 partition of Germany.

I have met with Prince Andreas many times since first meeting him in the late 1990s. I have always found him a very approachable gentleman who is open to listen to one's point of view. He was among the first royals I interviewed in the pages of EUROHISTORY.

Today on the Prince's 70th birthday, We wish him good health and may he celebrate many, many more years among us!

 Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha.*

©Eurohistory

Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha.*
©Eurohistory

Prince Andreas and Princess Carin of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha.*

©Eurohistory 

Hereditary Prince Hubertus and Hereditary Princess Kelly
of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha, Coburg 2009.

(*) The use of these images without prior permission from us at EUROHISTORY will me prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

New Book: Russia and Europe – Dynastic Ties

It is with great anticipation that we can inform our readers that the printers just told us that we can expect copies of Galina Korneva and Tatiana Cheboksarova's book, RUSSIA AND EUROPE   Dynastic Ties to be delivered in about 3 weeks!

This si the largest project Eurohistory has been involved in. The final version of the book nearly includes 600 photos and has 320 glossy pages. It is the first of what we expect to be many collaborations between Ms Korneva and Mr Beéche, as well as between Eurohistory and renowned Russian publisher Liki Rossii. This joint venture is geared toward making rare Russian-produced books on the Romanov Dynasty available in English to a wider audience!

Enjoy...

Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg: The Bison Will Roam Free

A small herd of European bison will soon be released in Germany's most densely populated state, the first time in nearly three centuries that these bison — known as wisents — will roam freely in Western Europe.

The project is the brainchild of Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg. He owns more than 30,000 acres, much of it covered in Norwegian spruce and beech trees in North Rhine-Westphalia.

For the 78-year-old logging magnate, the planned April release of the bull, five cows and two calves will fulfill a decade-old dream.

But the aristocrat's neighbors aren't all thrilled about his plan to release wisents, which have been living in an enclosure on his property for three years. They are slightly taller than their American cousins and weigh up to a ton. Questions remain about who will foot the bill if the European bison damage property or injure someone.

"We were skeptical because we weren't given enough information," says Helmut Dreisbach, a cattle farmer and vice chairman of the Farmers' Association of Siegen-Wittgenstein. "How will the animals react? Will they stay in a particular area or will they move onto working farmland?"

Continue reading...

http://www.npr.org/2013/03/11/174037372/german-prince-plans-to-put-bison-back-in-the-wild

Fürst Richard and Hereditary Prince Gustav zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg

at Schloß Berleburg

UK: Diana Princess of Wales' Dresses Auctioned

Yesterday, 10 dresses owned by Diana will hit to auction block. The total intake of the auction was around $1.2 million.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH0-K9HXuTE&feature=youtu.be

Documentary: OUR QUEEN

The documentary on HER MAJESTY is now available on youtube.

Friends in the UK watched it a few days ago and enjoyed it very much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exhbFPlPNLE&feature=youtu.be

BOOK – The Grand Dukes (Hardback edition) off to print!

In late 2010, Eurohistory published THE GRAND DUKES – Sons and Grandsons of Russia's Tsars. This book is the first volume in a two-volume series covering the biographies of male Romanovs descending from Tsar Paul I.

The first edition of the book sold out within a month of publication. Two more editions of the book were printed in its original paperback form.

Late in 2012 Eurohistory decided to reprint THE GRAND DUKES in hardback to match the second volume in the series, THE OTHER GRAND DUKES – Sons and Grandsons of Russia's Grand Dukes. 

Much to our delight, all our resellers loved the idea and decided to carry the new, updated, hardback version of THE GRAND DUKES. This support made it possible for us to go ahead and rework the book to fit its new format.

Today, we released THE GRAND DUKES (hardback edition) to our printers and we expect to have copies for sale within a month!

This makes THE GRAND DUKES the fourth book Eurohistory has published in as many months!

In the works now are a new edition of Ilana Miller's THE FOUR GRACES and a book on the Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg,  THE NASSAUS OF LUXEMBOURG authored by our regular contributors, the very talented Kassandra and Sabrina Pollock. Their book will be available in June 2013.

Sweden: Funeral of Princess Lilian of Sweden

The funeral of Princess Lilian of Sweden took place today in Stockholm. By all accounts, it was a a nicely staged send-off to a much-beloved and august woman.

The guest list included:


The Royal Family:

H.M. The King
H.M. The Queen
H.K.H. Crown Princess Victoria
H.K.H. Prince Daniel
H.K.H. Prince Carl Philip
H.K.H. Princess Madeleine
Mr. Christopher O'Neill


H.M. The King's Family:

Princess Margaretha, Mrs. Ambler
H.K.H. Princess Birgitta
Princess Désirée, Baroness Silfverschiöld
Hélène Silfverschiöld and Mr. Fredrik Diterle
Princess Christina, Mrs. Magnuson and
General-Consul Tord Magnuson
Gustaf Magnuson
Oscar Magnuson
Victor Magnuson
Countess Marianne Bernadotte af Wisborg
Countess Gunnila Bernadotte af Wisborg
Countess Monica Bonde
Mr. Patrick Sommerlath


H.K.H. the late Duchess of Halland's Family:

Mrs. Barbara Davis


Prince WILHELMS Descendants:

Countess Bettina Bernadotte af Wisborg


Prince OSCAR BERNADOTTE'S Descendants:

Mrs. Dagmar von Arbin
Count Oscar Bernadotte af Wisborg
Mrs. Catharina Nilert
Count Bertil Bernadotte af Wisborg and Countess Jill Bernadotte af Wisborg
Count Claes Bernadotte af Wisborg and Countess Birgitta Bernadotte af Wisborg


Denmark:

H.M. Queen Margrethe II


Norway:

Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner

©Reuters 

Vatican – Habemus Papam: Francis [Franciscus]

The College of Cardinals reunited in Conclve has chosen a Latin American, Cardinal Archibishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Bergoglio as the new Pontiff. He has chosen the name Francis I.

I had hoped for a younger, reformer Pontiff to guide my Church as we adapt to the exigencies of the Modern World...one shall have to wait and see..

From Wikipedia...

Jorge Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, one of the five children of an Italian railway worker and his wife. After studying at the seminaryin Villa Devoto, he entered the Society of Jesus on March 11, 1958. Bergoglio obtained a licentiate in philosophy from the Colegio Máximo San José in San Miguel, and then taught literature and psychology at the Colegio de la Inmaculada in Santa Fe, and the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 13, 1969, by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano. He attended the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel, a seminary in San Miguel. Bergoglio attained the position of novice master there and became professor of theology.

Impressed with his leadership skills, the Society of Jesus promoted Bergoglio and he served as provincial for Argentina from 1973 to 1979. He was transferred in 1980 to become the rector of the seminary in San Miguel where had had studied. He served in that capacity until 1986. He completed his doctoral dissertation in Germany and returned to his homeland to serve as confessor and spiritual director in Córdoba.

Bergoglio succeeded Cardinal Quarracino on February 28, 1998. He was concurrently namedordinary for Eastern Catholics in Argentina, who lacked their ownprelate. Pope John Paul II summoned the newly named archbishop to the consistory of February 21, 2001 in Vatican Cityand elevated Bergoglio with the papal honors of a cardinal. He was named to the Cardinal-Priest of Saint Robert Bellarmino.

As cardinal, Bergoglio was appointed to several administrative positions in the Roman Curia. He served on the Congregation of Clergy, Congregation of Divine Worship and Sacraments, Congregation of Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Congregation of Societies of Apostolic Life. Bergoglio became a member of the Commission on Latin American and the Family Council.

As Cardinal, Bergoglio became known for personal humility, doctrinal conservatism and a commitment to social justice. A simple lifestyle has contributed to his reputation for humility. He lives in a small apartment, rather than in the palatial bishop's residence. He gave up his chauffeured limousine in favor of public transportation, and he reportedly cooks his own meals.

Upon the death of Pope John Paul II, Bergoglio, considered papabilehimself, participated in the 2005 papal conclave as a cardinal elector, the conclave that selected Pope Benedict XVI. A widespread theory says that he was in a tight fight with Ratzinger until he himself adviced crying^{[clarification needed]} not to be voted.^[1] Earlier, he had participated in the funeral of Pope John Paul II and acted as a regent alongside theCollege of Cardinals, governing the Holy See and the Roman Catholic Church during the interregnum sede vacante period. Cardinal Bergoglio remains eligible to participate in conclaves that begin before his 80th birthday on December 17, 2016.

During the 2005 Synod of Bishops, he was elected a member of the Post-Synodal council. Catholic journalist John L. Allen, Jr. reported that Bergoglio was a frontrunner in the 2005 Conclave. An unauthorized diary of uncertain authenticity released in September 2005^[2] confirmed that Bergogolio was the runner-up and main challenger of Cardinal Ratzinger at that conclave. The purported diary of the anonymous cardinal claimed Bergoglio received 40 votes in the third ballot, but fell back to 26 at the fourth and decisive ballot.

On November 8, 2005, Bergoglio was elected President of the Argentine Episcopal Conference for a three-year term (2005–2008) by a large majority of the Argentine bishops, which according to reports confirms his local leadership and the international prestige earned by his alleged performance in the conclave. He was reelected on November 11, 2008.

His Views:

Liberation theology

Bergoglio is an accomplished theologian who distanced himself fromliberation theology early in his career. He is thought to be close toComunione e Liberazione, a conservative lay movement.

Abortion and euthanasia

Cardinal Bergoglio has invited his clergy and laity to oppose both abortion and euthanasia.^[3]

Homosexuality

He has affirmed church teaching on homosexuality, though he teaches the importance of respecting individuals who are homosexual. He strongly opposed legislation introduced in 2010 by the Argentine Government to allow same-sex marriage. In a letter to the monasteries of Buenos Aires, he wrote: "Let's not be naive, we're not talking about a simple political battle; it is a destructive pretension against the plan of God. We are not talking about a mere bill, but rather a machination of the Father of Lies that seeks to confuse and deceive the children of God." He has also insisted that adoption by homosexuals is a form of discrimination against children. This position received a rebuke from Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who said the church's tone was reminiscent of "medieval times and the Inquisition".^[4]

Church and AIDS

Main article: Roman Catholic Church and AIDS

His doctrinal orthodoxy emphasizes Christ's mandate to love: he is well remembered for his 2001 visit to a hospice, in which he washed and kissed the feet of twelve AIDS patients.

Social justice

He consistently preaches a message of compassion towards the poor, but some^who? observers would like him to place a greater emphasis on issues of social justice. Rather than articulating positions on matters of political economy, Bergoglio prefers to emphasize spirituality and holiness, believing that this will naturally lead to greater concern for the suffering of the poor. He has, however, voiced support for social programs, and publicly challenged free-market policies.

Relations with the Argentine government

See also: Dirty War

On April 15, 2005, a human rights lawyer filed a criminal complaint against Bergoglio, accusing him of conspiring with the junta in 1976 to kidnap two Jesuit priests, whom he, as superior of the Society of Jesus of Argentina in 1976, had asked to leave their pastoral work following conflict within the Society over how to respond to the new military dictatorship, with some priests advocating a violent overthrow. Bergoglio's spokesman has flatly denied the allegations. No evidence was presented linking the cardinal to this crime.

Yugoslavia (Serbia) – Interview with Crown Prince Alexander

Vecernje Novosti

Author: Marko Lopusina

HRH CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER ABOUT THE BURIAL OF HIS ANCESTORS IN MAY

I WILL FULFILL THE LEGACY OF MY GREAT-GRANDFATHER

THE REMAINS OF HM QUEEN ALEXANDRA AND HM QUEEN MARIA WILL BE AT THE ROYAL CHAPEL IN DEDINJE UNTIL THE FUNERAL

The Royal Family of Karadjordjevic has recently officially announced on its website that the state funeral of King Peter II, Queen Alexandra and Queen Maria, who had lived and died in exile, will be conducted on Sunday, 26 May at the Church of Saint George in Oplenac. As we were told at the Royal Palace, Crown Prince Alexander II is currently putting a great effort into organising the funeral of his father, mother and grandmother, and later on his uncle Andrew, at. the Royal mausoleum.

− Her Majesty Queen Alexandra was buried at the cemetery of the Tatoi Palace Royal Cemetery near Athens, and Her Majesty Queen Maria isburied at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, which adjoins Windsor Castle. The remains of my mother and grandmother will arrive in Serbia in April. They will be laid at The Royal Chapel in Dedinje compound, where the remains of my father, His Majesty King Peter II already are laid. This funeral will fulfill the legacy of my great-grandfather King Peter I who wanted all the Karadjordjevics to rest in one place - said exclusively for the "Vecernje Novosti" Crown Prince Alexander.

The head of the Royal Family was born on 17 July 1945 in London, at "Claridges" where his parents lived in exile. The British government declaredsuite 212  Yugoslav territory. His godparents were King George VI and his daughter, then Princess Elizabeth, now Queen of Great Britain. It wasthanks to Queen Elizabeth that the Karadjordjevic family managed to survive the exile. The first to retreat to England was Queen Maria, who, after thetragedy in Marseilles, where on 9 October 1934 King Alexander was assassinated, lived in retirement in a modest  apartment in London.

− It was a painful and difficult time for her – The Regency era, the rise of fascism, the political intrigue in Yugoslavia, war and very traumatic exile toLondon. I visited my grandmother many times in London. She was always very gentle with me. I was 16 when she died. My father and my mother, my uncles, Prince Paul and Princess Olga were all at her funeral. I remember vividly going to the private Burial Ground at Frogmore, where my grandmother was buried next to her great-grandmother, Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert – recollects Crown Prince Alexander.

Crown Prince was schooled in Switzerland, then Military Academy Culver in Indiana, United States, Gordonstuon School in Scotland. After he enrolled in Royal Military Academy of Great Britain and then British army as an officer. His uncle Tomislav was putting him through school since his parents were separated. Crown Prince recalls in dear memories the life with his parents

- When I was a child, my parents lived in London at first, then France, Switzerland, Italy, United States. In exile my father was persecuted by longing for his country, his family and people. He longed to return to his roots. He loved his country, where he spent a happy youth. With joy he was showing me the home in Dedinje with excitement and showed me a picture of Oplenac. The father was hurt by false stories of him that were spread throughout our homeland. King Peter II never abdicated and never took no royal treasures. Neither artwork from the court. I'd like to know where are the missingworks of art that used to be the Royal Palace - now Crown Prince asks.

For the First time Crown Prince Alexander speaks for public about his life during the separation of his parentsin 60’s:

-My parents never divorced. They had difficult times, but always came back together. There was a lot of intrigue and games around my parents. I would visit my parents often in different places where they lived and we were a happy family. 

By death of his father King Peter II died in in Denver 1970^th, Crown Prince Alexander II Karadjordjevic became the new Serbian king.

-As heir to the throne-I decided not to use the title of king - says Prince - I believed that it would be pointless in exile. At the same time I was very clear in that time not to waive my rights and titles, or dynastic right to the crown. And then, as now, I sincerely believe that the only way for Serbia is to become a Parliamentary constitutional monarchy. My role as King would be fixing up the image of Serbia in the world, mainly through lobbying or through acquaintance with foreign leaders. Every Serbian government needs to know they can count on me – he says about his status, Crown Prince Alexander.

In 90’s Queen Alexandra died Crown Prince’s mother and descendent of Greek Royal Family:

- I was very sad and emotional. I am glad to say that my mother, Queen Alexandra will soon be transferred to Serbia. Her remains will be presented next to my father in the Royal Chapel – says the Crown Prince who has been living in the Royal Palace since 2001.

- When we moved in 2001 to the Royal Palace, I had to sell our property in London in order to obtain necessary refurbishments and maintenance. By mid-2004 when the Royal Compound was returned to the State budget, Karadjordjevic family financed it up keeping – says Aleksandar Karadjordjevic. The transfer of the royal family remains back to Serbia for many represents gathering in unity of church, state and the dynasty.

I am strictly fulfilling the legacy of my great grandfather. Oplenac is truly a beautiful and special place.  There are some that think that this is a big step forward to national and historic reconciliation. All great events harbor great work. The return to homeland of my father, mother, grandmother and possibly uncle Andrej is one of those historic endeavors. Joint commitment of government, the church and the Royal House is completely natural.

- I wish to extend my gratitude for support understanding and help to President Tomislav Nikolic and all members of The State Reburial  and transfer Committee-said for “Vecernje Novosti” Crown Prince Alexander

SKIING CHAMPION

I love sports, especially skiing and diving. During military career I was a ski champion. Lately I play tennis and dive with special pleasure in exotic seas – reveals Crown Prince Alexander.

NO COMPENSATION

The funeral with state honors is in itself a significant event.  We do not need anyone to apologize for the fact that we celebrate and honor history. Again, the event cannot be an excuse for not doing some other serious and important things.

EXCITING FIRST TIME IN SERBIA

 - My first arrival to Serbia with my family in 1991 was packed with great emotions. Several tens of thousands citizens welcomed us and I was much moved. It was a dream come true and corner stone of my life.