CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR TWO THOUSAND CHILDREN IN THE WHITE PALACE

Belgrade, January 4, 2005. – HRH Crown Prince Alexander II and Princess Katherine organized a reception today for more than two thousand refugee children, orphans, Romany children and handicapped children in The White Palace for the Christmas and New Years’ Holidays.

Beside Their Royal Highnesses, the children were welcomed by His Grace Bishop Lavrentije of Sabac and Valjevo, Mrs. Betti Alkoudea the Director of “Lifeline Hellas” Humanitarian Organization and Miss Jennifer Rose the daughter of a well-known oncologist from Chicago who is living in Belgrade for the moment and is helping the children from the Home for babies and youth in Zvecanska.

At the beginning of the reception Their Royal Highnesses warmly welcomed the children and expressed their joy to have them again in such a large numbers as their guests in The White Palace.

“Dear children, I am very happy to have you here today and to have Bishop Lavrentije with all of us. My wife, Princess Katherine provided the presents for you with the help of “Lifeline Hellas” Humanitarian Organization and friends of good will from Greece” - emphasized the Crown Prince in his address to the children and wished them happy holidays.

His Grace Bishop Lavrentije of Sabac and Valjevo addressed everyone pointing out that the Palace is home of all Serbs, and that the children are always welcome. He added:

“We should all be grateful to Princess Katherine and her Foundation for the effort put into embellishing this great Christian holiday-Christmas every year.”

Deeply touched HRH Princess Katherine greeted children and wished all the best for the holidays, health and joy, and pointed out that the children are always welcome in The Royal and White Palace and that in the hearts of Their Royal Highnesses children have a special place.

A large number of various toys and gifts arrived at The White Palace with the help of Lifeline Humanitarian Organization from Athens, whose patron is HRH Princess Katherine, and this year this event was assisted by donations of domestic donators. Just like the last year at The White Palace the children enjoyed a play and song by the well-known children’s entertainer Pedjolino, the actor Slobodan Boda Ninkovic and Santa Claus, who came to The White Palace especially for them.

The children left The White Palace with their hands full of toys, sweets and New Years’ wishes, and they wished only one more thing: to come back to the same place next Christmas. Today and tomorrow The White Palace will host more than two thousand children and make them happy with presents.