THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES VISIT PARACIN AND KRAGUJEVAC

Belgrade, 17 November 2007. – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine visited today Elementary School Stevan Jakovljevic in Paracin, Monastery Saint Petka in the village Izvor and attended a hundredth anniversary of the Sokol Society in Kragujevac, Serbia.

Visit to Paracin began in the Church of Holy Trinity where special welcome was held in honour of Crown Prince and Princess’s visit to Paracin.

After the church ceremony, Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine visited Elementary School Stevan Jakovljevic which celebrated 25th anniversary of the existence of its department for children with special needs. On this occasion, Their Royal Highnesses delivered humanitarian packages, donation of HRH Crown Princess Katherine Foundation.

On that occasion, Princess Katherine addressed the children and said: “It is my great satisfaction that my husband and I are here with you today. The initiative of your school to in addition of your program, allow the children with special needs to receive the possibility of education is commendable, and all other schools in Serbia should follow your example”.

Prince Alexander and Princess Katherine also visited Monastery Saint Petka in the village Izvor near Paracin, which also has an asylum for women and girls with special needs. During the visit, The Royal Couple familiarized themselves with the history of this asylum and delivered humanitarian aid to the women and girls who call this asylum their home.

Following visits to Paracin and the area, Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine were the honorary guests at the 100th anniversary of Sokol Society in Kragujevac, where His Royal Highness was the honorary speaker.

“It is my great pleasure to be able to continue the tradition of my predecessors and to extend support to a chevalier organization such as this one which always had for its goal to raise morally strong and nationally aware citizens. The fact that you are celebrating hundredth anniversary of existence speaks of your ability and devotion to the ideal in which you believe. I wish you many more successful years which will allow you to realize your goals”, stated Crown Prince Alexander in his speech.

The gala academy was held in the Kragujevac Theatre hall, originally the Old Sokol Home built in 1925 with the help of large donations provided by His Majesty King Alexander I. Among others, at the academy was also His Grace Bishop of Sumadija Mr. Jovan.

The Sokol Society in Kragujevac presented Crown Prince Alexander II at the gala academy with a special award for the support to the Sokol Society.