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CoronavirusSerbia

Prince Philip of Serbia issues statement regarding coronavirus

Prince Philip of Serbia has via Facebook issued a statement regarding the ongoing Covid-19 epidemic. This happens only one week after a statement from his father, the Serbian Crown Prince Alexander.

The full statement from His Royal Highness Prince Philip of Serbia:

“First, I must say that all our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by Covid-19. This virus only has the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of the current world order. The human race is facing the biggest crisis after World War II. If there ever was a time to show global solidarity, now is the time. We cannot make the mistakes of the recent past, before the coronavirus, and that is to continue on the path of disagreement and system that puts profits above all else. If we choose global solidarity, it will be a victory not only over the coronavirus but also over all the crises that can affect humanity in the 21st century.”

Prince Philip, Princess Danica, Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Kathrine of Serbia. Photo: Oskar Aanmoen / Royal Central.

The coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have spread to Serbia on 6 March 2020. The first case was confirmed by the Minister of Health, and involved a 43-year-old man. As of 26 March 2020, 1456 persons had been tested of which there have been 457 confirmed cases, 15 recoveries and 7 deaths in Serbia.

On 15 March Serbian President Vučić declared a nationwide state of emergency. Serbia closed its borders to all foreigners not living in Serbia, while Serbian citizens entering the country were required to self-quarantine for up to 28 days, or face criminal charges of three years in prison. All schools, faculties and kindergartens were also closed.

From the baptism of Prince Stefan. Photo: Royal Palace Belgrade.

Prince Philip of Serbia was born 15 January 1982. He is a member of the House of Karađorđević and son of the Serbian Crown Prince Alexander. He is the fraternal twin of Prince Alexander and the second in line to the throne of Serbia after his elder brother, Hereditary Prince Peter. He is also in line for Succession to the British throne. Prince Philip lived in Virginia, USA, until 1984. Together with his twin brother, he was educated in London and Canterbury. Philip is now working for a foreign financial institution in the City of London.

On 24 July 2017 his engagement to Danica Marinković was announced. Prince Philip married Danica Marinković on 7 October 2017 at the Cathedral Church of Saint Michael the Archangel in Belgrade, Serbia. One of their witnesses were Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden. His two godmothers, Queen Sofía of Spain and Princess Anne, Duchess of Calabria attended the wedding. Princess Danica gave birth to their son Stefan in Belgrade on 25 February 2018. Prince Stefan is the first male child born to the royal family on Serbian soil for 90 years.

About author

Senior Europe Correspondent Oskar Aanmoen has a master in military and political history of the Nordic countries. He has written six books on historical subjects and more than 1.500 articles for Royal Central. He has also interview both Serbian and Norwegian royals. Aanmoen is based in Oslo, Norway.