ROYAL COUPLE VISITED ORPHANAGE HRISTINA MARKIŠIĆ IN ALEKSINAC AND ROMA POPULATION OF VILLAGE PRĆILOVICA

Belgrade, 16 January 2007 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine accompanied by Dr. Laycock, great friend and launcher of the humanitarian Foundation SOS Bosnia, delivered help to the orphanage Hristina Markišić in Aleksinac, and Roma settlement in the village of Prćilovica.

At the orphanage, Their Royal Highnesses were welcomed by Mrs. Bratislava Stojković, Director of the Centre for Social Work Aleksinac, Mrs. Ljiljana Tasić Head of Orphanage Hristina Markišić and Mr. Ivan Dimić President of the Municipal Assembly, where The Royal Couple delivered a “Volkswagen” transport van, donation of Lifeline UK and SOS Bosnia, 10 wheelchairs, shoes, clothes, food, notebooks and toys.

“Thank you very much for this warm welcome. My husband and I are trying very hard to help the ones in need, not forgetting anyone, and we want you to know that you have a special place in our hearts. I would also like to specially thank our great friend and philanthropist Dr. Elaine Laycock, woman with a big heart. Without her great help, this wouldn’t be possible” –Crown Princess Katherine said in her speech.

Their Royal Highnesses then visited the Roma settlement in the village of Prćilovica, where they delivered clothes, shoes, notebooks and toys. The inhabitants of the village were deeply touched by this visit, since it was the first time that anyone was interested in seeing the terrible conditions they live in. Crown Prince and Princess enquired about the needs of the inhabitants in order to help them create a better place to live in.