INTERVIEW: HRH CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER II KARADORDJEVIC

THE KING REIGNS AND THE PRIME MINISTER RULES

We need to watch our own dignity, our honour, even our own interests. Serbia is a small country, and due to that it much depends on the politics implemented by the big entities. That is why it is very important for our country to use this transition period to develop good diplomatic relations, which can reflect on our economy as well.  

Contacts with the foreign investors, establishing good business opportunities and charity work are only a part of the effort of HRH Crown Prince Alexander who lives, together with his family at the Royal Palace on Dedinje from 2001.  

When HM 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. He is not engaged in daily political activities, but however he often points out that the right direction for Serbia is Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy. He sees his role in helping to improve the image of Serbia in the world mostly through lobbying and with the support of the foreign leaders he often meets during his travels.  

Foreign politicians and diplomats see Serbia as dictated to them by their national interests. Once established, it is difficult to change stereotypes, and diplomats are rarely stimulated, or in a position to correct the already established norms in practice  

Recently you tried to bring some foreign investors to Serbia, but it seams it was just a try. Why?  

Any systematic and efficient arrival of foreign investors in a country primarily depends on the legal security of investments, opportunities for long-term planning and the belief that foreign investment is generally considered the strategic interest of the country, and not just a temporary measure which vamping some of the existing gaps in public finance, economic structure and political marketing. If the question of ownership of all aspects, which are naturally associated with property, are subject to constant competition in the imagination and the legal gymnastics, not the investors who will own, difficult or easily earned money, put on the altar of one's good or bad will, one's political survival on the stage or "acquisition of knowledge and experience with the work”.

You have many contacts with foreign diplomats and politicians. How do they see Serbia today? Do they have the correct image of our country?

Foreign politicians and diplomats see Serbia as dictated to them by their national interests. Once established, it is difficult to change stereotypes, and diplomats are rarely stimulated, or in a position to correct the already established norms in practice. Hence, often an extremely positive personal attitude by individual diplomats with regard to many aspects of life in Serbia, while extremely suspicious and negative attitude of by the government whose representatives they are. Today, a diplomat is not expected to create policy, but to implement what they are ordered. The attitude towards us is formed independently of our wishes and efforts, primarily based on estimates and calculations of countries with great political, military and economic potential. Serbia is a small country and also not a member of the EU, and due to that it much depends on the politics implemented by the big entities.  That is why it is very important for our country to use this transition period to develop good diplomatic relations, which can reflect on our economy as well.  

THE CROWN PRINCE CLOSE UP  

HRH Crown Prince Alexander II, is the son of HM King Peter II and Princess Alexandra of Greece and Denmark, daughter of the Greek King Alexander and Aspasia Manos and was born 17 July 1945 in London in Claridge’s Hotel where they use to live. In order for Crown Prince Alexander to be born on Yugoslav territory 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 Queen Elisabeth II. 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 as 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. 

How can we change the image of Serbia in the world and what can we do in order to improve the current image of the country? 

First, we need to watch our own dignity, our honour, even our own interests. If we are ignorant concerning these things, there is no reason why someone else will care more about us then we do. The image is easy to foul, difficult to wash! Our country's image is improving always and in every opportunity giving the best of oneself, especially within one's own country, and then beyond it. There is no country that is successful on the international scene and a failure on the local one! I suggested in 2001 that the Serbian Government hire a top international specialist public relations firm to professionally promote a positive image of Serbia in the United States, European Union, Far East, Middle East etc.... This would have been money well spent and the return for such a positive global campaign and training of our politicians would have been excellent, but sadly it was never undertaken although it was discussed. 

I am definitely interested in politics. What I am not included in and I cannot be included in, is a political party and party life. That is both a weakness and strength of constitutional monarchy. 

After the abolition of visas how much closer are we to EU?

We are certainly closer. However, to be closer to the European Union does not mean to be a Member of the European Union. There is still much work to be done and the process of getting closer to the European Union needs to be constantly followed up with solid public relations and improved relations with the members of the European Union and particularly Germany.  

It is not very known in our public that in November 1999 the Crown Prince launched a great conference of democratic opposition. After Budapest, a meeting in Banja Luka followed in January 2000. In April, the same a year big Conference was organized in Athens. These meetings brought us to absolute victory of the Serbian opposition on the elections 2000. Do you have plans to be more actively involved in politics?

 I am definitely interested in politics. What I am not included in and I cannot be included in, is a political party, or party life. That is both a weakness and strength of constitutional monarchy. My role is to help promote Serbia positively especially by lobbying and assisting in improving diplomatic relations especially with foreign leaders and investors. Every Serbian government should know they have a friend in me and the opposition respect.

DESTINY AND DUTIES OF THE SERBIAN PRINCES  

Your children, hereditary Prince Peter and the twins, Prince Philip and Prince Alexander are studying abroad, but they often come to Belgrade? How much do they know about Serbia and are they planning to live and work here? 

My sons were born as Serbian Princes, descendants of Karadjordje, Prince Alexander and the three kings. Nemanjić blood runs through their veins. They know their destiny and duty.  

Many times you stated that the right path for Serbia is Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy. Can you explain us in that case what is the role the king, government and parliament in such a system?

The question of the role of the king, government and parliament in a parliamentary constitutional monarchy has been explained and interpreted so many times, that it simply seems superfluous to talk all over again that courts adjudicate the law, the democratically elected parliament passes laws, the government rules, and the King reigns. In all constitutional parliamentary monarchies today, it is just like that, especially in Europe, and all these countries are indisputably very democratic and very stable. One should note the king is not a member of any political party and respects all political parties. Once again the king reigns and the prime minister with his cabinet rules.

 What is the role of the Crown Council? 

The Crown Council is an advisory body and as its name suggests. It is composed of people with great experience and important life's work. I believe that their experience and opinion would be precious and honoured by every political leader, at any time. I appreciate them and respect their opinions, even if sometimes I do not agree with their opinions 

In a recent report submitted by the State Audit Commission on the operation of the Serbian Government it is stated that certain amount is set for maintaining the Palaces on Dedinje. Is that money spent on Family, as often discussed in public, or for maintaining Royal Compound?

You have said yourself that the state auditor has given his opinion about that. It is good, and I welcome it. Whether and where, there has been something that is not in accordance with the laws and regulations will be determined by those that are competent. The public comments on various issues in ways the media presents them. Since this is a matter about which the competent authority has to declare itself in an established procedure, I would not add my interpretations in addition to so many "experts" who have already decided on this and ruled. 

The public is also asking whether the art that is part of the Royal Compound heritage can be dislocated?

None of the items, including everything that is indisputable and arbitrarily deprived of my family, cannot be either taken out of the Palace or alienated. Everything is fully recorded and kept as state property until a decision on restitution is made. When will it be, I do not know. I would like to find out, however, where the missing items that were once found in the Palaces are, who is listed as their owner and whether the public and media are interested in their fate. In contrast to the inventory of the Palaces, of which everyone is concerned about, it seems that nobody is particularly concerned about this property.  

The Royal Family lost their property after World War II. You are, on behalf of the family, in charge for negotiation with the Serbian government for the returning of the confiscated property. Where are negotiations at this point? 

All formal requirements have been submitted and, speaking from the standpoint of positive law and regulations, all is in the hands of the parliament and the government. When the will and determination to resolve these issues will be gained, it will be solved! Regarding the question what is the outcome with the family property after breakup of Yugoslavia I can answer – it depends. I have to say that in this respect, the situation does not show any difference in terms of the members of the European Union, those who are candidates, and those that are not yet candidates. 

You often travel throughout Serbia. What kind of impression do you have on the lives of ordinary people? Has Serbia changed compared to the period when you first arrived here and how much? 

A lot has changed. The people are the same, concerns and needs are similar, but optimism had disappeared, there are no expectations and demands for change, no enthusiasm. It is true that people are very tired and disappointed, but still it is necessary that we stay united and focus on common goals and important things need to be done for a brighter future. The motivation factor can do miracles, so let us do that for our children and the children of our children. The world has changed a lot since our revolution of 5 October 2000 and these events have had an effect on our country and people.  

What is the reaction of the citizens during your encounters, and what is the attitude of the government towards the Crown. I mean, have they accepted you and your wife Princess Katherine as part of the political and public life and how do you feel about that

I do not have a problem with the public. Wherever I go, people are well meaning, very friendly and similar in their hopes and fears. Some are full of enthusiasm to the institution I represent, some are not, but characters that are filled with hatred - thank God - are very rare. I would love them to be even rarer!