The Royal family of Serbia, following the customs of our people, traditionally celebrates Christmas at the Royal Complex.
As TRH Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine could not be in Serbia this year for the holiday, on the morning of the day before Christmas (Serbian “Badnje jutro”), HRH Hereditary Prince Philip and HRH Prince Stefan cut the Yule log, honouring the centuries-old tradition of the Serbian people, and brought it in front of the Royal Palace, where TRH Princess Danica and Princess Marija welcomed them.
In the evening, the Christmas Eve (Serbian “Badnje veče“) started with a service held in the Royal Church of Saint Andrew the First-Called, where special part were prayers for the health and well-being of HRH Crown Princess Katherine. It was followed by another beautiful Serbian tradition, the burning of the Yule log in front of the Royal Palace, which was blessed by priest Mihailo Rapajic. The evening events were attended by TRH Hereditary Prince Philip, Prince Stefan, Princess Danica, Princess Marija, Prince Mihalio, Princess Ljubica, Princess Natalija and Princess Isidora, and Princess Danica’s parents Beba and Milan Cile Marinkovic.
“In the name of God, justice, and our glorious ancestors, this morning, I, with my son, Prince Stefan, performed the ancient custom of cutting the Yule \log. This sublime act, deeply rooted in our faith and tradition, unites the spirit of family harmony and national strength.
At the very doorstep of the Royal Palace, we were welcomed by my wife, Princess Danica, and our dear daughter, Princess Marija, and together we brought the Christmas tree into the Home, beginning a holiday that brings light and warmth to the hearts of all of us.
I am proud to see young Prince Stefan walking in the paths of our ancestors, learning the values that have preserved our nationality and freedom. May this Christmas bring peace, prosperity, and God’s blessing to every Serbian home. Long live, brothers and sisters!”, stated HRH Hereditary Prince Philip.
Speaking about the traditions, during the time of the Kingdom, the King was always welcoming Yule Log at the Palace, which was brought to him by a regiment of soldiers from all branches of the Army. To bring the oak tree to the Palace was always a special honour for the officers and soldiers.
Earlier in his Christmas congratulations, the Hereditary Prince said: “In these Holy Days when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we think of all those who struggle with injustice, poverty, and sorrow. Christmas teaches us that no person should be forgotten, that every soul is important and that everyone’s suffering is our shared responsibility.
Throughout history, our people have shown that they unite in the most difficult moments. In the spirit of this heritage, I call on you to turn to each other, to help those who are oppressed and disempowered, and to fight together for a Serbia in which justice is not a privilege, but the right of all.
We think of our people in Kosovo and Metohija, who defend their honor and rights every day in difficult circumstances, as well as of all young people who, even in these festive days, with their hard work and determination, show that justice is a value for which every person is worth fighting and must fight. I especially express my condolences to the families of the victims of the bloody feast in Cetinje. In these moments, may our common prayer strengthen and comfort them.
May the Christmas star enlighten the way for those who are searching for hope. May it bring strength and wisdom to those who need it most this year, and may it show us all that we are strongest when we are united in the fight for our society’s prosperity and progress.
With deep faith in God and the strength of our people, my wife Danica and I pray for peace, justice, and love in every home throughout Serbia, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Croatia, Slovenia, but also in the diaspora and everywhere the Serbian people live and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Peace of God—Christ is born!”
The Royal Family once again expressed their wish that all people worldwide who celebrate Christmas tomorrow have good health, much love, and prosperity, and that each Orthodox and Christian home is a source of peace, warmth, and love. The Royal family once again wishes Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all citizens of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska with the traditional Christmas greeting “Peace of God, Christ is born!”
