This is an important moment for my country, and me when for the first time I address the Serbian people.

The People’s Representatives, according to the feelings and wishes of the entire nation, have chosen me unanimously to be the King of Serbia.

Accepting this choice, I took the oath, according to the Constitution’s provisions, in front of the People’s Representatives, as the legitimate King of Serbia.

Now I proclaim to my dear people that as of today, I enter into my royal prerogatives and duties

 

ARRIVAL OF PETAR KARADJORDJEVIC TO BELGRADE, RAILWAY STATION, JUNE 1903

By the God’s providence and by the will of the Serbian people, by which my grandfather Karadjordje was elected to lead Serbian people into holy struggle for liberation one century ago, I too came to the throne of the Kingdom of Serbia. My father Prince Aleksandar reigned for sixteen years and the people chose him.

Accustomed to always speak and work sincerely and openly, determined to give all my care and concern to the happiness and welfare of the people, I take as my first duty to declare with profound belief, on this solemn and important occasion, that the sovereign should be the pillar of freedom and progress of his people.

I want to be a true constitutional King of Serbia. The Constitution and all of its guarantees of freedom and rights of the people, those foundations of sound and hopeful development and progress of the people and the state, are sacred to Me, and I shall always respect and protect them to the best of my abilities.

In addition, I ask of everyone to do the same.

KING PETER I REVIEWING THE TROUPES AT BANJICA FIELD AFTER THE TAKING OATH IN THE PARLIAMENT, 12 JUNE 1903

Inspired by those ideas, I surrender the past to be forgiven, leaving history to be the judge for everyone’s deeds.

Faithful to the tradition of the Serbian people and my ancestors, I shall reign myself by the traditional aspirations of Serbian people in foreign affairs, and at the same time maintain friendly relationships demanded by the European community, especially with neighboring nations.

I shall ensure to raise my proud army, to which I extend my royal appreciation for its merits so far and dedication to the homeland, to the level of Serbia’s upright tower of strength.

With these thoughts and feelings, I fully comprehend the weight and the size of the sovereign’s duties, but certain of true support from the people, I hope I shall manage, with the help of God and the people, to lead Serbia to the way of welfare, progress and happiness.

Long live the Serbian people!

12 June 1903 Belgrade

PETAR I