Interview: Princess Katherine Karadjordjevic

We came here to give, not to take away

Those who believe that the Royal Family shouldn’t be financed have to realize that we do not have any personal benefits, but that a monument, a cultural good is being financed

- We maintain excellent cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia, have good communication with its ministers, who are always there to listen to our suggestions and to support thoroughly our efforts. We did have certain misunderstandings when it comes to the question of the national budget; yet, I believe that they are striving to correct this matter, because they understand the true state of things, for which I am grateful to them. What is frequently forgotten is that we did have a home before we had arrived to Serbia and that, since the year of 2001, we have spent several millions of Euros of our own money to the restoration of the Royal Palace. People should not be envious, but grateful for us staying here, and focused upon the good side of the Royal Family’s presence in Serbia. I believe that the Serbian people know that they are the only reason why we are here, and that everything we do – we do it for them: their concerns are our concerns as well. I feel like a mother – when they cry, I cry as well, and when they smile, so do I – Princess Katherine Karadjordjevic says for our magazine, while getting ready for a trip to the United States, where she well be fundraising for Serbia at the February 5th Birthday Ball of Princes Peter, Philip and Alexander, for the campaign against breast cancer, as well as for equipping units for neonatal intensive care in Serbia. Her husband Crown Prince Alexander will be in Washington D.C, trying to attract foreign investors through contacts with foreign ambassadors and United States Senators. When they return to the country, a traditional fashion show is awaiting for them to organize, funds will be collected for women suffering from breast cancer.

After we commenced our conversation in Serbian, we continued to speak in English, which was followed by a remark that neither Tito did not speak the Serbian language very well. Princess Katherine says that she is in the process of learning Serbian and that she would be delighted to read the Serbian press in Serbian, but that due to her numerous commitments, she does not always manage to follow the pace. Every day, she says, she makes a deal with her husband for them to watch a movie in the cinema (located in the basement of the Palace), to enjoy pop-corn, but that each and every time this plan ends up differently and is just a wishful imagination.

- People imagine that when you live in a palace, you live a wonderful life. What is truly important is not a crown on your head, but one in your heart, and that one has to keep working a lot, because if you lack a crown in your heart, you will not be able to take good care of your people. I was raised with the knowledge that in this world you do not exist purely for oneself, but for the others as well, and I come from a family in which giving is as necessary as oxygen. It is true that sometimes I like to gratify myself, and particularly my husband and children, but this is not always possible, because we do have a lot of things to work on. People expect us to help them to improve their lives and when one knows this fact, one cannot just stop. We always say: one more phone call, only one more thing to do, and then the night falls… My husband often suggests that I go to sleep, because “everybody is sleeping, you cannot help anyone right now“. I know for sure that my husband is as happy now as he has never been since I have known him, for his destiny has been fulfilled, because he works for his people and helps his compatriots. My husband has become the symbol of unity, stability, and continuity, and I believe that he really has much to offer.

Do you believe that one day Serbia will become a monarchy?

- I trust the people and I do not believe they will let us down. I believe that the Serbian people would love to have a king who reigns, and a prime minister rules. I believe that Serbia would be better off as a monarchy and that the image of this country would change over night. Let me remind you that King Peter never abdicated. What would Serbia lose if it has a King one day? It would only benefit. When my husband celebrated his 50th birthday, all the crowned heads of the world came to the reception, including his godmother – Queen Elizabeth. He has numerous contacts, and always uses them for the benefit of the Serbian people. How many Serbs do you know with such a list of invitees? He is a gift to Serbia, because now you have a respected person, with good contacts, someone who respects and loves this country, and love is always followed by success. The Serbian people know that we came here to give and not to take anything away. So, if you want Serbia to be a successful country, it has to be a Constitutional Monarchy. You must know that half of the initial members of the European Union are Monarchies.

However, many people believe that the State should not finance the Royal Family, bearing in mind the fact that Serbia is not a monarchy?

We have been invited to come here, we forced nobody. And when you invite someone to come, you should take care of him as well. Those who believe that the Royal Family is not supposed to be financed, have to realize that nothing is done for our personal benefit, but for the financing of a monument, a cultural asset. This palaces need conservation. They represent a pearl for this country and the people, this is a tradition, attracting thousands of tourists… Those who contemplate in that direction do not know the whole truth. Nobody employed efforts to explain them what is the purpose of us living here. This is not a question about a monarchy, it is a question about whether you accept the gift or you decline it. And the gift is my husband, of which care should be taken in means of demonstrating respect for the estate built by his family. In any case, I believe that small amounts are in question, regarding the enormous benefit that is raised. Tens of millions of Euros worth medical equipment, scholarships, new jobs, relationships with investors and global promotion that my husband and I brought during last 20 years are for the benefit of this country.

Who are your donors?

Most people who help us are not from Serbia. Personally, I would not feel very uncomfortable if I were to collect money from the people who already live in poor conditions, while at the same time they deserve finally to live a normal life and to be part of Europe. The Foundation’s donors are spread throughout the world, and they include foreign nationals as well as our people who live abroad. They have an ear for my honest voice. When I talk to them I have tears in my eyes, I describe what I have witnessed and their reaction is that of a true affection. Usually they end up saying to me – Tell us what we can do for you, it sound like your country is a beautiful one… We keep inviting them to come and see for themselves whether my words are true, and once they come they become good will ambassadors. And this is precisely what helps to change our international image. There are lots of people around who are willing to help, without knowing how. It is our duty to inform them about the way.

Do you decide where the money goes?

No, I do not. A Royal Medical Board exists, in which doctors of various fields of medicine are represented. Together we make an analysis on who needs the most help. For example, at the moment, the most in need are pregnant women suffering from diabetes, as well as people diagnosed with cancer. People know that we are very honest and that we deliver what we promise. My foundations in the United States, Canada, England, Greece, have been registered for 17 years, and throughout this period of time the accomplishments have been visible. Therefore, people know precisely for what purpose they are giving money for – whether it is for incubators, ambulance vehicles, best students, or orphans… I believe that, since their earliest ages, children should be educated to give. Our children are just like that, the proof of which is the Charity Ball to be held in Manhattan, says Princess Katherine at the end and kindly asked us to publish website addresses ( www.princesball.org , www.pkfond.rs ) in order to raise as much money as possible for people in Serbia.

Sandra Gucijan