Karageorgevitch’s after 25 years of marriage

Branko Mikasinovic, Saturday, 2 October 2010

Prince Alexander and Princess Katherine Karageorgevitch have marked the 25th wedding anniversary a short while ago. They have presented some of the most interesting and most important moments of their life in Serbia for our program.

Prince Alexander Karageorgevitch: "It was for sure the tragic assassination of our Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, elections, different views of our politicians regarding Serbia’s European Union membership, which is our goal, Kosovo situation, poverty, problems with social and health services, etc. My wife constantly tries to help those who need help the most. So, we have many problems. “

Princess Katherine Karageorgevitch:"For me, one of the most memorable moments was our return to Belgrade. I would never forget our first day at this Palace. Alexander was very emotional, and when he would sit at a sofa, he kept repeating “maybe my father, my grandfather were sitting here“. When we went to bed that night, Alexander whispered “I returned home, father “.

Voice of America (VOA) : How did your role and your activities here in Serbia develop over the past ten years?

Prince Alexander Karageorgevitch: "On my return to Belgrade in 2001, I decided that my role should be neutral, good relations with everybody. I travel abroad to promote foreign investments, and I also started a Foundation for education of young people. I support my wife in her humanitarian activities, and we make efforts to do more things in a best possible way. “

VOA : What do you expect from the next 10 years in Serbia, and what from another 25 years of your marriage?

Prince Alexander Karageorgevitch: “My sincere hope is that Serbia will become a member of the European Union, as well as our neighbours Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Macedonia. We need each other. I also believe in dialogue. We have to talk, because dialogue brings more trust and understanding.

Princess Katherine Karageorgevitch: “The Serbian people deserve much more. We are part of Europe, and the Serbian people deserve to live as other Europeans do, to have good hospitals, jobs and apartments, to start families and have children – that’s God’s will. If we unite and work together, it will all be possible“.

Prince Alexander Karageorgevitch: “We also have to maintain good transatlantic relations. American company “US Steel” works here, as well as other foreign companies, but we need much more such companies. We are small country, but we have educated people, who speak foreign languages, who are experts, and who could make great contribution to our country and to international community”.

VOA : After 25 years of successful marriage, what would be your advice to young people who have just started their life together? What does it take for marriage become a successful one?

Princess Katherine Karageorgevitch: “First of all, I believe in destiny. I believe that God gave me a gift – my husband Alexander. To have such a gift is precious, to have such husband with whom you would get well together and spend your life together – it is very precious and very important. When you start a marriage, you have to contribute, to complement your partner. Many people make a mistake of trying to change what they have instead of improving that”.

Prince Alexander Karageorgevitch: “You should be partners, listen to and hear each other, and be very, very tolerant. We have had 25 magic years of marriage, although our life here was another test of patience and success. Therefore, if you talk and paint your relationship with humour, work and love, a successful marriage stands a good chance”.