CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE ROYAL PALACE

Belgrade, 6 January 2010 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II, Crown Princess Katherine, Prince Philip and Mrs Alison Andrews, the daughter of Princess Katherine, celebrated Christmas Eve at The Royal Palace at Dedinje.

The traditional burning of the Yule log was performed in front of The Royal Palace, which was blessed by Father Panayotis the representative of the Greek Orthodox Church in Belgrade with the approval of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Beside Their Royal Highnesses members of the Gendarmerie Brigade, employees of The Royal Palace, as well as representatives of the media were present during the burning of the Yule log which was followed by, in the spirit of tradition, a short reception for all present in The Royal Palace.

Later on in the evening Their Royal Highnesses will attend Midnight Christmas liturgy at the St. Sava Temple in Belgrade that will be served by His Grace Bishop of Hvostano Atanasije.