INTERVIEW CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER KARADJORDJEVIC

FROM 2001 YOU LIVE IN BELGRADE. WHAT DOES IT REPRESENT TO YOU AFTER SO MANY YEARS DURING WHICH YOU WERE NOT ABLE TO RETURN?

Belgrade is a great capital and has regained a lot of its prestige. Even today during global recession Belgrade still is a great interesting attraction that has many activities and places to visit. It is the premier capital in South Eastern Europe and especially very popular for young people.

I never though I would live in my homeland in my father’s and grandfather’s home. It was a dream that finally came true only when democracy finally came to our beautiful country. Living in Belgrade is a wonderful experience and there is something new everyday that we learn and discover.

WHERE DO YOU SEE BELGRADE IN 10 YEARS?

Belgrade has moved ahead, but will flourish considerably more following the global recession and tourism will benefit a lot when Serbia finally becomes a member of the European Union. We do need to work more on our infrastructure and communications to come more in line with Western Europe and be more competitive. We certainly cannot afford isolation since we would suffer much more unemployment if we would be detached from Europe and the world. Our people are very capable and will benefit a lot from the European connection. We will also benefit a great deal from good and improved neighbourly relations and open borders.

YOU LIVED IN MANY OF THE WORLDS METROPOLIS’S. WHAT DISTINGUISHES BELGRADE FROM THE REST?

Belgrade is in a unique strategic position in the region being located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and at the convergence of two great European rivers the Danube and the Sava. Belgrade has always been a major international centre but did lose a lot during the tragic years in the 90’s. Now we can regain what we lost if we pull ourselves together and plan ahead. We need to complete our projects to show our great inheritance and particularly our national museum. There is also important artistic talent that suffered a lot in the past. We have a great future ahead following the recession.

HOW DOES YOUR IDEAL DAY IN BELGRADE LOOK LIKE? WHAT PLACES YOU GLADLY VISIT?

We are invited out a lot so we have the chance to see many places in Belgrade. The newly restored parliament is truly spectacular and we are very proud to have such a prestigious building and interior for our national parliament.

I cannot ignore the Royal Compound at Dedinje since this is our small and beautiful Versailles. It is really worth a visit to see the two palaces, the Royal Palace and the White Palace. Some people do not realize or even know there are two beautiful palaces in the compound that bring Serbia up to the international high standard level of architecture and prestige. The Royal Compound is a true gem and national heritage of Serbia and open to the public. My wife and I are very happy to see how much the visitors enjoy the tour, art and history.

THE SUBJECT OF THE MAY EDITION OF TIME OUT BELGRADE IS THE BEST SPECIALITIES OF THE BELGRADE RESTAURANTS. CAN YOU RECOMMEND US SOME SPECIALITY?

Our Serbian culinary specialties are highly recommended and there are many fine restaurants that proudly serve them. There are also restaurants that specialize in international cuisine and there is no shortage of them in Belgrade. Belgrade is very cosmopolitan. My wife and I cannot specifically recommend a particular place since this would be unfair. As far as our favourite national dishes go we like sarma very much and cevap.