On Saturday, the Serbian Prince Philip married his fiancée Danica Marinkovic in a beautiful ceremony in Belgrade.
The Serbian Royal Family have only been welcome back in their country for the past sixteen years and are no longer a reigning dynasty, having lost the throne in 1945 when the League of Communists of Yugoslavia took power. Despite this, the family are well-loved by the people of Serbia and connected to many European royals, some of whom attended the wedding. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden was Maid of Honour, and Queen Sofía of Spain was also in attendance at the nuptials.
Copyright © Royal Palace Belgrade
The couple, who announced their engagement to the public in July this year, were evidently thrilled at their lavish wedding surrounded by family and friends. Although Philip comes from a royal line, he and Danica live a relatively normal life in London, and so, luxurious events are not an everyday occurrence. Danica, who is a French citizen, is the daughter of a famous Serbian artist and has worked her way up to become a successful graphic designer after studying at Chelsea College of Arts in London. When he is not spending time in Serbia, Philip works full time in the finance sector.
The wedding took place at the Cathedral Church of St Michael the Archangel where the couple were wed in a traditional ceremony whilst both wearing extravagant red crowns. Danica wore a modern wedding dress with sheer sleeves and had her hair styled in a simple, elegant fashion.
Copyright © Royal Palace Belgrade
After the vows, the wedding party headed to the reception at the White Palace in Belgrade where the couple first met at a dinner party. The guests were served an array of traditional Serbian foods whilst they listened to jazz and soul bands. The couple later danced together to Frank Sinatra.
Following their wedding, the pair are now heading to New York to take part in a charity event held by Philip’s stepmother.
There is an active monarchist movement in Serbia. Unlike other Balkan states, the Serb royals are a native dynasty. There could be a King Philip in their future.