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PRINCESS KATHERINE INTERVIEW FOR MACEDONIA THESSALONIKIS (GREECE), 16.12.2007

PRINCESS KATHERINE OF YUGOSLAVIA

DIFFICULT TIMES FOR PRINCESSES

Princess Katherine of Yugoslavia is talking to Nafsika Gratsiou about her life, humanitarian work, family and the happiness of giving.

“The only thing that I haven’t imagined for a Princess was that she is working non-stop day and night”

The first surprise that I had during my meeting with Princess Katherine was her enchanting straightforward manner and a unique wholeheartedness, which took me out of awkwardness as to how I should address her or how I should call her.

She opened herself the door of her suite, welcomed me and the photography crew of the magazine with a mother’s care as to whether we were tired, cold or hungry and she served tea for us saying how thrilled she was to be in Thessaloniki for her award of Honorary Doctorate of Sheffield University at a ceremony organized by City College.

The telephones were ringing continuously and she was answering each and every one, arranging and taking care of issues concerning her Foundation and Lifeline that has offered great humanitarian work. She is talking about her five children, her four grandchildren, Belgrade where she is living, the Yugoslavs who are so much like Greeks, her husband Prince Alexander, their get-together and the love that binds them, her daughter Alison who recently gave her a pillow with “It’s not easy to be a Princess” written on it.

Taking the occasion of this pillow that you just mentioned, may I ask what it means to be a Princess?

To be a Princess is a wonderful opportunity to give from your self. I was born and raised in Athens in a humanitarian family. I was asking my mother what happiness is and she answered “Happiness is to give from your self”. I feel privileged that my life has a mission.

What is the image that you had as a child for a Princess?

The concept of Princess is always beautiful, my dear. When I gave birth to my daughter I called her Princess because for me she was unique and precious. The only thing that I haven’t imagined for a Princess was that she is working non-stop day and night.

Which you consider the highest human merit?

Sincerity. But, also to respect other people. I believe that those two concepts are not for negotiation. We must decide finally who we want to be.

What lesson life has taught you?

First of all the mother role is the premier one. Also that love is the foundation for everything. Furthermore, I learned not to consider either life or people as a given fact. We must continuously work on our relationships and most of all to offer. In addition life taught me that all the people around the world are more or less the same.

Are there any images that will remain in your mind for ever?

There are only beautiful images, those are the ones worth keeping in mind. The happiness of my parents at my wedding day. The birth of my first grandchild. Alexander kissing the soil of his country when we returned to Yugoslavia. He did the sign of the cross and bent to kiss the land of his ancestors. Our first night at the Palace and Alexander gazing at the sky and, touched, saying “Father, I returned home”. Unforgettable moments.

What are the characteristics that a good woman should have?

The first and basic characteristic is the devotion to the family. Also, she must not confuse her priorities and never, ever consider her man as given. Furthermore, I believe that a woman should offer her man the leadership. This is wisdom.

In relation to that…what are the qualities of a good man?

To have respect and love his companion, to appreciate her and recognize all that she is doing and offering to him and, if he is able, to try to be faithful to her.

As soon as we concluded our conversation, Prince Alexander appeared, a discreet and polite man who, as he told us, loves Greece and especially Thessaloniki.

As we were leaving from our meeting with Princess Katherine I offered her a small bow and curtsey and she smiled at me. It was not at all a protocol bow towards a Princess. It was a bow of respect, of the kind that we owe to all the women that know how to offer, whether they are Princesses or not.

In order to communicate with HRH Princess Katherine Foundation and be updated concerning its humanitarian work, visit