Exclusive Interview with HRH Crown Prince Alexander II

THERE IS NO PROGRESS WITHOUT A KING

HRH Crown Prince Alexander II Karadjordjevic in an exclusive interview for the special holiday issue of CODE magazine says that in a Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy the King reigns, and the Government governs. The King is the head of the state and is not competing with, nor interfering with Government’s business. The King is the defender of the Constitution.

By Nadja Andrejevic

HRH Crown Prince Alexander II Karadjordjevic and Princess Katherine have for several years now in the White Palace in Dedinje. Although they frequently travel outside the Serbian capital, they are very much engaged in humanitarian work, and help a lot young and talented people, as well as the old, sick and poor. Recently the Royal Couple celebrated the Patron’s Saint Day of Karadjordjevic Dynasty, Saint Andrew the First Called, with unanimous support of Serbian clergy and Elite. Although the majority of Serbs think that the only real way for Serbia is to go back to its roots, back to Monarchy, there are real chances that Crown Prince Alexander II realize his birth right and get the Throne back. He personally believes that Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy is the right way forward for Serbia and a positive way to be a proud country with a “new” image and purpose. To realize his idea about Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy, it is necessary to run a campaign.

Your Royal Highness, a campaign requires a lot of money, and you didn’t inherit that kind of money?

Considering such a campaign, you are definitely right, but I do not have funds for a presidential type campaign, and even if I had, I would not invest in such a campaign. Constitutional Monarchy is not a political party, it is not a lobbying group, it is not an advertisement for a merchandize on the market. Constitutional Monarchy could be eventually established with such campaigns, but the question is how it would be different from what we already have. Constitutional Monarchy does not compete with or against any political party, but rather provides unity, continuity and stability.

According to you, what model of monarchy would the Serbs most like? As it is known there are variations, and you, if I am not mistaken, are looking for a European model, which is a constitutional parliamentary monarchy?

I have been advocating for the concept of Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy for a long time, because I believe that such a concept encompasses by equal measures tradition and a modern way forward just like in the countries that have Constitutional Monarchy Norway, Sweden, Denmark, United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands and Luxemburg, as well as a vision of the future. I don’t feel that differences regarding the concept of Monarchy currently present in Serbia could be a problem, because if we have a common goal than means it should not be a problem. I would like to point that in a Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy the politicians would be the same as today, but the head of state would be neutral and not a member of any political party. Imagine a neutral head of state that has no conflict or contention with the Prime Minister and government.

Has the Constitution of Serbia discussed the issue of monarchy?

The current Serbian constitution is formally based on decisions taken in Jajce and Bihac, and that is common knowledge.

How would you like to see our future? Do you see us as a member of the EU and under what conditions?

I do not see that we have a choice outside the European Union, and not because it is the only positive alternative, but because all other alternatives are less favourable. Therefore we should be supportive for the entry of Serbia in the European Union.

Unless we, as nation, spiritually do not aggrandize, we will not regenerate as a state. Visas have been abolished and therefore, the "brain drain" is inevitable. Is there any hope to keep the young and educated people in Serbia?

The danger you mention is a real one, and all countries in transition have faced it. The only question is whether we can speak about how to stop a brain drain at all, if the economic conditions and democratic procedures within the country are not good enough to prevent it. Only then we could review the brain drain as a matter of professional development, and not the question of survival. From the technical aspect I think that my Foundation for education gave a pretty good example on how to prevent this. We signed a contract with 40 students that went to Nottingham University by which they were obligated to come back to Serbia after they finished their studies and implement their knowledge and experience in Serbia in the following eight years. I am proud to mention all 40 young men and women came back to Serbia. Of course this cannot be applied to every person and every institution but it can help in decreasing the percentage of a brain drain.

What is in your opinion the common future of all Serbian citizens? Of all faiths – Orthodox, Catholic, Muslim, Protestant, Jewish?

The common faith of all citizens of Serbia, no matter of their ethnic origin, religion or political affiliation, is based on sentiment of unity and the ties that bind us and does not divide us. That means we should stop emphasizing differences and divisions. Recent history taught us that divisions result in multiplying problems with less people and smaller territory. We must not tolerate the use of negative religion and negative nationalism. We must be committed to democracy and human rights.

As Crown Prince, in which sectors of Serbia would you be most influential?

The Crown Prince, by definition, could not have and does not have the supreme influence in any area. The King does. The role of the King is clearly defined by the Constitution, but taking into consideration all active Constitutional Monarchies in the European Union, it is obvious that such influence is exercised in the following areas: the role of the Monarch as a cohesive and uniting factor outside and above daily politics. Second is his role in foreign relations and the economic image of the country, but without interference in government policy, raising the visibility of people and country he is the head of. Third is to provide continuity, to protect national and state interests in all aspects of public life, and especially so during times of crisis. The principal is that the King reigns and the government rules in a Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy. Naturally there are free elections in a Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy just like in a Republic. The King is the head of state and does not compete or interfere with the government and its rule. The king is the defender of the Constitution.

Would the Monarchy accelerate Serbia’s entry in European Union?

I believe so since a Constitutional parliamentary Monarchy would provide a positive image and respect, although I am aware of many bureaucratic problems that European Union is facing.

To what extent does the Diaspora support the return of Monarchy in Serbia?

The Diaspora is a very sensitive topic, and we have always specified what Diaspora we are talking about. The greatest part of the territorial, national and economical Diaspora I know is supportive to the idea of Constitutional Monarchy, but our present Diaspora is not similar to the one we had 20, 30 years ago neither by structure, composition or the manner of their territorial dispersal.

Are you aware of possible resistance and who are your opponents?

The resistance is always present; oppositions are always easier to identify then support, for any idea. It is the legitimate right of the people to have their own attitude and opinion on all questions, even the question of Constitutional Monarchy. I always ask that question and I must say that it is much easier for me to find out who is against Monarchy than from what reason.

Who gives you the greatest support and where does your mechanism for change lie?

The greatest support I have and I always had comes from members of my closest family, which is quite normal and necessary. But as well as from the numerous people of good will and free mind from all social structures. I must say that the Serbian Orthodox Church openly supported the idea of renewing Monarchy and that other religious entities have shown a very positive interest.

Is the problem of the returning property of the Karadjordjevic family from the former republics in the process of solving? And what is the status of this in Serbia?

As far as the legal status of my Family properties in the former Yugoslav countries the situation is formally different in each one of them and processes and procedures are ongoing.

What kind of relationship do you have with other members of the Karadjordjevic family? Will you reconcile with Princess Elizabeth as she states that you do not allow her to visit her birth home – the White Palace?

Relations between the members of the Karadjordjevic family are a private and important issue, but I will say that I have never denied Princess Elizabeth in visiting her birth place, the White Palace, and she was recently there in December 2009 and previously several times too with her daughter and son in law. It should be noted that the Dedinje compound is the property of the descendants of King Peter II, Prince Tomislav and Prince Andrej as stipulated by court decision by the City of Belgrade District Court, competent for the inheritance of the deceased King Alexander I, issued on the 27 October 1938 Decree No. 0.428/34. The Prince Paul branch does not have any property rights to the Dedinje Compound, but does have properties elsewhere.

How much time do you spend in Serbia? And to what extent is the Crown Council important for you?

I spend a lot of time in Serbia that I am so attached to and a great part of my activities is connected to maintaining relations and contacts that are very important for all the fractions I can have influence on and others can have either small one or none. The Crown Council in which lately we have irretrievable loses, was and will remain a great support for me, an institution that assisted me in resolving many important questions.

Recently deceased academician Milorad Pavic, was a member of the Crown Council. What memories you have of him?

Milorad Pavic was a great friend and precious advisor. His death as well as the previous loses we had of the people, members of the Crown Council, that left a significant trace on our history (like Borislav Pekic, Mica Popovic, Slobodan Vitanovic…etc) is permanent but what is left behind them is extremely significant by quality, importance and memory.

How often do Princes Peter, Philip and Alexander come to Serbia?

My sons come home and especially for their holidays and because of the geographical distance Philip is the one that comes here more often than the other two.

How true is it that Prince Peter married without gala and royal protocol?

The news about Prince Peter’s marriage is entirely false and unfounded.

Are you personally satisfied with life in Serbia?

I love living in my country, but feel I could do so much more for the good of all people and government should it be a Constitutional Monarchy.

What would you like to wish Serbian citizens in 2010?

I wish everyone good health, prosperity, stability, respect and to be able to work freely as they wish and live in peace with everyone and all neighbours.

Biography of HRH Crown Prince Alexander II

In April 1941 after Germany attacked and occupied Yugoslavia, the country’s young King Peter II left in advance of the invading German forces for Athens with the Yugoslav government. The King and his compatriots were determined not to surrender to the invaders in the best tradition of the founder of the Dynasty Karadjordje ("Black George") Petrovic who led the heroic first uprising of the Serbs against the Ottoman Empire in 1804. From Athens HM King Peter and his government went to Jerusalem and then Cairo. Finally King Peter II established the government in exile in London. In 1944, King Peter II in London married Princess Alexandra of Greece and Denmark, the daughter of HM King Alexander of the Hellenes and Aspasia Manos.

On 17 July 1945 while living in Claridge's Hotel, Queen Alexandra gave birth to a son - HRH Crown Prince Alexander II of Yugoslavia. Crown Prince Alexander, the heir to the throne, was born on Yugoslav territory as the British Government under the orders of Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill declared suite 212 in Claridge's Hotel Yugoslav territory. His Holiness Patriarch Gavrilo of Serbia baptized the newborn Crown Prince in Westminster Abbey with Godparents King George VI and HRH Princess Elizabeth (now HM The Queen Elizabeth II).

After the war, King Peter II was illegally prevented from returning to his country by the communist regime, which had seized power in Belgrade. HM King Peter never abdicated. The King and Queen lived in exile in many countries (United States, France, Italy and England).

HRH Crown Prince Alexander II was educated at Le Rosey (Switzerland), Culver Military Academy (Indiana, USA), Gordonstoun School (Scotland) and Millfield (England). He subsequently went to the British Royal Military Academy and in 1966 was commissioned an officer in the British Army. Crown Prince Alexander served in the 16th/5th The Queen's Royal Lancers rising to the rank of captain. His tours of duty included West Germany, Italy, Middle East and Northern Ireland. After leaving the army in 1972, Crown Prince Alexander II, who speaks several languages, pursued a career in international business.

Although King Peter II died in 1970, the Crown Prince, as the heir to the throne decided at the time not to use the title of King - which he felt would have had little meaning in exile. He made it very clear at that time that he was not renouncing his title, or the dynastic right to the throne.

In 1991 Crown Prince Alexander accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses Crown Princess Katherine, Hereditary Prince Peter, Prince Philip and Prince Alexander travelled to Belgrade where they were very enthusiastically received by hundreds of thousands of people who see the Crown Prince as the embodiment of all that is best for democracy and Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy.
Before the 5 October 2000 revolution in Serbia, the Crown Prince visited Serbia in 1992, 1995 and 2000. The Crown Prince travelled to Montenegro and Kosovo in 1999 and Bosnia and Montenegro in 2000. The Crown Prince and his family have been living in The Royal Palace in Belgrade since 17 July 2001.

HRH Crown Prince Alexander has always been a very ardent defender of democracy and human rights. In 1989, he took a very active role in helping his people shake off the legacy of decades of dictatorship and the regime. During the next decade the Crown Prince Alexander conducted numerous meetings and maintained constant contact with the democratic opposition and democrats throughout the former Yugoslavia. In November 1999, Crown Prince Alexander convened a large conference in Budapest for the representatives of the Democratic Opposition in Serbia.

Another symposium followed in Bosnia in January 2000 and in April 2000 the Crown Prince convened a large conference of key opposition leaders in Athens. Following the Athens conference the Crown Prince and leaders of the opposition went to a symposium at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. These meetings led to the successful election victory of Serbia’s democratic opposition in September of that year. Crown Prince Alexander has been a tireless contributor in the process of co-operation and unity amongst the democratic political parties to make his homeland a great democracy for all citizens regardless of political belief, religion or ethnic origin.

During the previous decade Crown Prince travelled extensively, met with numerous world leaders, politicians, parliamentarians, world bodies and had many interviews to the media.

In 1972, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander married Her Imperial and Royal Highness Princess Maria da Gloria of Orleans and Bragança of the Imperial Family of Brazil in Villamanrique de la Condesa, Spain. They had three children. The eldest son and heir HRH Prince Peter was born in 1980 in Chicago, Illinois; and fraternal twin sons HRH Prince Philip and HRH Prince Alexander were born in 1982 in Fairfax, Virginia. The marriage ended in 1983.

In 1985, Crown Prince Alexander married Katherine Batis of Athens. HM King Constantine of the Hellenes was the best man and HRH Prince Tomislav, the uncle of Crown Prince Alexander was the witness. The wedding took place in the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in London.

HRH Crown Prince Alexander II enjoys skiing, sailing, water skiing, scuba diving and tennis. He was British Army Ski Champion in 1972. His other interests include music, theatre, information technology, and current affairs.