The Post of Serbia and the Post of Slovenia have prepared a joint issue of commemorative postage stamps dedicated to HM Queen Marija Karađorđević and her lady-in-waiting Franja Tavčar. The presentation of this issue and the accompanying exhibition were organized today at the Royal Palace and were held under the patronage of HRH Crown Prince Alexander and hosted by HRH Hereditary Prince Philip.
Due to urgent obligations abroad, TRH Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine were unable to personally attend, but His Royal Highness’ letter was read at the beginning of the program. The attendees were also addressed by HE Mr. Zoran Stevanović, President of the Slovenian Parliament, Ms. Nadežda Skočajić, author of the stamp and head of the Publishing Service, Department “Serbia Stamp” of the Post of Serbia, and Mr. Marko Jelić, head of the Department of jobs of the Post Museum.
This joint issue of the two Posts preserves the memory of two exceptional women from our common past, great benefactors, whose legacy continues to live on today. In his letter, the Crown Prince thanked the Serbian and Slovenian Posts for preserving the memory of his grandmother and her lady-in-waiting in such a beautiful and appropriate way, as an example of dedication and kindness. “I wholeheartedly supported this noble project while it was just an idea, which is now a worthy reminder of two exceptional women whose lives were dedicated to humanity and service to the people.
My grandmother, with her selfless work and care for the most vulnerable, left an indelible mark on the hearts of people throughout Yugoslavia, and her kindness and courage still inspire many today. So did her lady-in-waiting, Franja Tavčar. They inspired themselves, and many others as well, through their joint vision and mission of humanity. I am proud that the name of Queen Marija is preserved and respected, and that in this way it will continue to live on in the collective memory and culture of both our people and the people of Slovenia. This is a bridge of friendship that connects us, and that we must continue to build in the future.”
Mr. Stevanović in his speech said that this a project that symbolically connects the history, culture, and friendship of our two nations. His Excellency also spoke about the story of the kinship of spirit between Queen Marija Karađorđević and her lady-in-waiting Franja Tavčar, two great humanitarians of their time. “In addition to the Royal Court, these exceptional women were united above all by a deep dedication to charity and a belief that the true nobility of a person is measured by sincere care for people in need, orphans, the poor, the sick, and women without social support. With their noble work and the establishment and support of shelters, they left an indelible and lasting mark on both Serbia and Slovenia.
Today’s joint postage stamp therefore represents a mark of historical memory and at the same time a tribute to values such as solidarity, compassion, and humanity, which still connect our nations today.”
Guests of the promotion had the opportunity to see the premiere of the issue itself, which includes a commemorative block of the Serbian and Slovenian Post with one postage stamp, a Serbian Post First Day Cover with a first day postmark and texts in Serbian and English, as well as a corresponding Slovenian Post cover, with text in Slovenian and English. In addition, a commemorative exhibition was organized whose author is Mr. Janez Cerkvenik, and which was presented by his son Gregor Cerkvenik, on behalf of the Philatelic Society “Lovro Košir” from Škofja Loka.
“Working on this issue was both a great challenge and a true creative privilege. This is not only because the stamp will travel on letters between Serbia and Slovenia, but above all because of the story it tells. It brings together two remarkable women, representatives of two nations: very different in many ways, yet equally strong and inspiring. Their deep friendship gave rise to a shared spirit of altruism, humanity and dedication to the common good, leaving us a lasting legacy and a bridge of understanding and closeness between our peoples”, said Ms. Skočajić, thanking the Royal Palace for traditionally excelent cooperation.
As stated in the publication: “Queen Maria was widely respected for her deep compassion and tireless humanitarian engagement. Through numerous charitable initiatives, particularly those aimed at helping women and children, the poor, war victims, orphans etc, she left a lasting legacy of kindness and responsibility throughout the former Kingdom, earning her the title of Queen Mother of all nations who lived in Yugoslavia.
Franja Tavčar, a devoted court lady, known for her dedication, loyalty, and humanitarian spirit, shared the Queen’s commitment to helping those in need, who need help the most. She initiated and supported charitable activities and embodied the values of solidarity and service to others.
Their personal bond symbolizes the historic ties between the Serbian and Slovenian peoples. Through their humanitarian work and shared ideals, Queen Maria and Franja Tavčar are, even today, a bridge of friendship between the two nations, reminding us that compassion and kindness transcend borders and generations.”
“In philately, a joint issue represents the highest form of cooperation between two national postal administrations. It is a testament to mutual trust, respect and a shared wish to present common values to the wider public. May the humanity, nobility and compassion of Queen Maria and Franja Tavčar serve as an inspiration and a guiding example to us all: to do good, and never to forget the values that bring people and nations together”, said Mr. Jelić in his speech.
Following the Belgrade promotion, a similar ceremony is planned in Slovenia, at the premises of the Loka Museum in Škofja Loka, which is the guardian of the legacy of Franja and Ivan Tavčar, and which will be held on 18 June.
The event at the Royal Palace was attended by numerous ambassadors and other representatives of the diplomatic corps, members of the Advisory Bodies of the Crown, representatives of institutions, as well as other guests. It was realised in cooperation with the Post Museum of Serbia, the Philatelic Association of Serbia, the Philatelic Association of Slovenia, and the Philatelic Society “Lovro Košir” from Škofja Loka, Slovenia.
