Hereditary Prince Peter of Serbia has renounced his birth rights which would have one day seen him become head of the Serbian dynasty.
In a surprising move, Prince Peter, the eldest son of Crown Prince Alexander and his first wife, Princess Maria da Gloria of Orleans-Braganza, announced the renunciation of his birth rights in favour of his brother, Prince Philip.
The renunciation of his role as Heredetary Prince of Serbia, Peter states: “By the act of abdication, I renounce for myself and all my descendants who were born or will be born in a marital relationship or out of wedlock.
“I transfer all the rights based on the birth right to the next one born after the eldership, my brother Prince Philip, which is an automatic process with this abdication and our sovereign wills.
“I do not waive the rights arising from the right to inherit the name, member of the Royal House, the title of Prince and all other rights and obligations that law and tradition give and impose on a family member.”
This decision came into force on the day of signing, April 27, 2022, and the act was witnessed by among others Princess Maria Da Gloria of Orleans and Braganza and his brother, Prince Philip.
It is clear that Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia was informed of the news. However, it appears the Crown Prince was not included in the decision process. Prince Peter writes in a statement that he has informed his father and the Serbian church of his decision.
The decision has been criticised by many. Some claim it is not legally binding as the decision was made outside of Serbian soil in Seville, Spain. It is also claimed that such an abdication does not follow the guidelines that are applicable by Serbian law from the time the monarchy existed.
Prince Peter, who is not married or has children, argued that this solution is in the best interests of the future of the Serbian royal family. Prince Peter also reveals that it is for his own good, as he still intends to live in Spain and not return to Serbia.