TPRINCE PHILIP AND PRINCE ALEXANDER INTERVIEW WITH “ALO!”

We study Serbian and do not chase Princesses

The sons of HRH Crown Prince Alexander say that they live as any other young people and that they do not use their “Royal blood” in their private lives or their careers. They say they wouldn’t mind marrying ordinary girls.

Princes Philip and Alexander Karadjordjevic are in Serbia these days, for their father’s, Crown Prince Alexander, 64th birthday. That is their only holiday this year. They both live pretty much out of sight of the public in Serbia, and it is not widely known what they do for living. Before they revealed something about themselves for Alo!, they both insisted to express their condolences to families and friends of the Serbian tourists who died in Egypt.

How do you feel in Serbia, and how long will you stay here?

Prince Alexander – It feels good to be back here, I missed it a lot since I haven’t been here in a year. Unfortunately I’m only here for a few days to celebrate my dad’s birthday.

Prince Philip - It feels good to be in Serbia again, I love being here. As well as Alexander will do, I will stay a few days for my father’s birthday.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when somebody mentions "Serbia"?

PA - Wow, that’s a tough question. There are many things that come to mind, emotional and physical. I definitely have to mention the people, I love the people here and I love how proud they are of Serbia. Pride for one’s country is rare where I live. I also love “chorba” (soup), I love a bowl of “chorba”!

PP - It depends who and in what context it is mentioned. Normally a sense of pride mixed with a feeling of obligation will first come to mind. It is a beautiful country filled with many beautiful people alike.

You don't visit Serbia so often. Why?

PA - Work! I only get two weeks a year off!

PP - This question is asked many times during my stays in Serbia. As mentioned above, I do love coming to this magnificent country, however, I have a spent many years out of Serbia before finally and almost surprisingly been invited back in 2001. As a consequence I have built a life and an intricate group of friends that I find hard prying myself away from. Nevertheless, as I get older I will be spending more and more time in Serbia, it is inevitable.

Where do you live right now, and what is your current occupation?

PA - I live in San Francisco, California. I am an international editor and correspondent coordinator for spinearth.tv which is a global music website developed by SPIN magazine.

PP - I live in London. And I am currently undergoing a management training position at a top London hotel.

In which country do you feel more comfortable? What is the difference?

PA – I am comfortable everywhere I am. Being confident and having good humour is the key.

PP - I’m pretty much comfortable and at ease in most countries, especially the ones I know well, which definitely includes Serbia. I am a very easygoing, open and accepting person.

What is the first thing that you want to do when you arrive here?

PA - It feels refreshing, I miss it a lot so it’s always nice to be back. I love getting here and eating Serbian food, I love Serbian food!

PP - Usually I come during holiday time so I feel happy and relaxed. I like to enjoy a good meal with my parents to catch up.

It was your father’s birthday three days ago. Have you bought a present for him? What was it, if it is not a secret?

PA - My brother and I got him a digital picture frame. It’s pretty cool.

PP - My twin brother and I bought him digital picture frame. My father likes his electronic toys.

PA – We consulted with Peter, our elder brother. We are sorry that he couldn’t come this time for our father’s birthday, but he works a lot and couldn’t adjust his schedule.

Belgrade is well-known for its’ night life. Have you had an opportunity to visit some clubs or restaurants? Have you visited any other city in Serbia apart from Belgrade, and would you spend your holiday with your friends anywhere in Serbia? Where and why?

PA - I haven’t been out yet. I’m trying to not drink for a bit but I know I will fail! My brother was at Exit and had a really good time. I’ve actually been on holiday with friends to Novi Sad for Exit two years ago. I would tell you about it but what happens in Novi Sad stays in Novi Sad.

PP - Serbia has an amazing nightlife scene. I have had the chance in the last few years to experience it firsthand. I have visited many other cities in Serbia. I was recently at Novi Sad for the Exit festival for my first time. I went with a bunch of friends and we had a fantastic time. I have also been to Kopaonik with friends and family, I love snowboarding.

Can you remember how you earned your first money?

PA - I worked at a skateboard shop in London when I was a teenager. It didn’t pay much but I had a lot of fun!

PP - I worked in an olive oil delicatessen in London. I became a little bit of an expert on olive oil and other Mediterranean delicacies.

Can you imagine yourself living in Serbia in 10 or 15 years time?

PA - Definitely. I would be here now but being a prince is more than a full time job. I want to explore who I am and make a living for myself before settling down as a prince. I know this might anger people who say it’s my duty to be here now but I believe everyone has the right to become their own person rather than be born into it. I am very proud to be a Karadjordjevic and I’m also proud to be me, without the name.

PP - Yes I can. As I said before, as I get older I will be spending more and more time in Serbia, until hopefully one day I will settle here. My goal and focus at the moment is to make it in life with or without having or using the title of ‘prince’.

Do you have a girlfriend? Would you rather marry a girl from a royal family, or an ordinary girl? Which qualities does she have to posses in order to become you girlfriend, or wife?

PA - I’m single. I don’t think I would marry a princess, I don’t think any are interested (laugh)! If someone is royal or not does not matter, as long as she can be my best friend.

PP - I am currently single. I would like to fall in love and marry a girl, royal or not, that will love me back for what I am and not who I am.

In your everyday life is it more important to you that you are a prince, or you are just an ordinary young man who is studying, working, trying to get a good job, going on holidays etc...?

PA - Only a few of my friends know I’m a prince. I like being incognito. Sometimes I go days without thinking about it and then I feel surprised when I remember again.

PP - The latter is definitely more important to me. However, what is even more important to me is making sure my friends and family are happy.

TRH Princes Philip and Alexander are twins, born in Fairfax, Virginia on 15 January 1982. They are sons to HRH Crown Prince Alexander II and Princess Maria da Gloria of Orleans Bragança. They lived in Virginia till 1984. Both Princes attended one of London's top preparatory schools, and graduated from King's School Canterbury in England. Prince Philip graduated from University College of London with a Bachelor Degree in Arts. Prince Alexander graduated at the University of San Francisco and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Media. Currently he is attending post-graduate studies in Advertising at an American University. They both speak English, French and Spanish, and mastering their Serbian.