CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE ROYAL PALACE

Belgrade, 6 January 2003 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II, Crown Princess Katherine and Princes Fillip and Alexander lit the yule-log and celebrated Christmas Eve at the Royal Palace in Dedinje tonight.

With the approval of His Holiness the Patriarch of Serbia Pavle, the yule log was consecrated by Father Vladan Perisic of Saint Archangel Gabriel Church in Belgrade. In front of numerous media representatives HRH Alexander II took the yule-log in the Palace.

As it is the custom, the Crown Prince said “Christ was born!” entering the Palace, while Crown Princess Katherine was throwing wheat. The guests were served with hot wine and brandy, after which Their Royal Highnesses had dinner, with fasting food served.

HRH Crown Prince Alexander II with his family will attend Christmas Liturgy celebrated by His Holiness Patriarch of Serbia Pavle, at the Temple of Saint Sava in Vracar tomorrow morning.