Crown Prince Alexander highlights the importance of Serbian unity

Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia has highlighted the importance of Serbian unity in a statement released on Wednesday, to mark the forthcoming Statehood Day of Serbia.

Serbian Statehood Day takes place this Friday. It is a holiday that occurs every February 15 in Serbia to commemorate the outbreak of the First Serbian Uprising in 1804, which evolved into the Serbian Revolution against Ottoman rule. The revolution ultimately resulted in the recognition of Serbia’s statehood by the Ottoman Empire.

Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine in the Blue Salon in the Royal Palace of Belgrade. Photo: © Royal Central.

Crown Prince Alexander’s statement reads:

“On the occasion of Statehood Day, which we celebrate on 15 February, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to the citizens of Serbia. The Meeting of the Lord is the day when we remember our history and prepare and celebrate the future of Serbia. On this day, 215 years ago, the building of modern Serbia began with the First Serbian Uprising led by my great-great-great-grandfather Karadjordje, and 184 years ago the first Serbian Constitution was adopted.

Today, Serbia is a country in which democratic principles are being constantly promoted, which recognizes the importance of human rights and respecting all differences, be they religious or ethnic. Let us persevere on that path and continue to build a state of law in which the citizens live in safety and with dignity, a country that remembers and respects its history, being always focused on the future and preserving Serbia for our children.

Remembering the Meeting of the Lord of 1804 and wishing all of us to always celebrate this day as unified citizens of Serbia and the whole world, I congratulate you at our great feast. Long live Serbia!”

Battle of Mišar during the First Serbian Uprising. Photo: Afanasij Scheloumoff via Wikimedia Commons.

The First Serbian Uprising started in the Sanjak of Smederevo against the Ottoman Empire between 1804 and 1813. Initially it was only a local revolt. During the revolt an assembly chose Đorđe Petrović Karađorđe as leader of the uprising, and the rebel army quickly defeated and took over towns throughout the Sanjak provinces. Karađorđe’s descendants adopted the surname Karađorđević in his honour. This later became the royal family of the Balkan monarchy.

Statehood Day is a public national holiday, and official celebrations last for two days, every 15 and 16 February.