CROWN PRINCESS KATHERINE'S EASTER VISIT TO HOSPITALS AND ORPHANAGE

Belgrade, 21 April 2008 - The traditional Easter visit of Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Katherine to hospitals and an orphanage was held today. HRH Crown Princess Katherine visited two hospitals and an orphanage, and on behalf of her Foundation delivered sweets, toys, food, and clothes to the children.

The Crown Princess first visited the University Children’s Clinic in Tirsova Street, where she was greeted by Proffesor Dr. Ida Jovanovic, Director of Paediatrics at this hospital, which has 60 young patients. After that, the Crown Princess attended the inaugural lecture of professor Mark Lens, at the Faculty of Medicine. This was followed by the visit to the Orphanage “Mosa Pijade” in Ustanicka Street, that has 62 children. HRH Crown Princess Katherine was greeted by Ms. Milanka Karavdija, Director. Finally, the Crown Princess visited the Special Hospital for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Neurology in Sokobanjska Street, that treats 80 young patients. HRH Crown Princess Katherine was greeted by Dr. Vesna Simonovic, Director.

Addressing the children during her visit to the hospitals, Crown Princess Katherine emphasized: “Dear children, I hope that these presents that come from the heart will make your days of staying in hospital easier and will bring you hope for returning home soon and being with your families. Easter is the most joyful holiday. Therefore we should enjoy every new day that we encounter. I hope that each new day will bring you new healing and new chalenges”.

Speaking at the orphanage, Crown Princess Katherine said: “I am very happy to have this opportunity again to visit your home and to bring you presents in advance of the most joyful Christian holiday, Easter, for you and your friends. Rest assured that my husband Crown Prince Alexander and I always think of you, and that you are always in our hearts”, Crown Princess Katherine said.

Today’s action of HRH Crown Princess Katherine would not have been possible without many donors from Serbia and Greece that have enabled these children to feel the joy of upcoming Easter, at least for a short while.