FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE SERBIAN DIASPORA IN THE U.S.: Prince Philip and Princess Danica Arrive in Chicago With Their Children, Vidovdan and New Youth Project in Focus

Their Royal Highnesses Hereditary Prince Philip and Princess Danica Karađorđević will visit the Serbian community in Chicago from June 19 to June 24, where, together with their children, Prince Stefan and Princess Marija, they will participate in a series of spiritual, cultural, and charitable events.

This will be the first official presentation of Hereditary Prince Philip and his family to the Serbian community in the United States in their capacity as Their Royal Highnesses, continuing the decades-long tradition of close ties between the Karađorđević Royal Family and the Serbian people living abroad.

The visit will focus on strengthening ties between the homeland and the diaspora, preserving the Serbian language, culture, Orthodox faith, and national identity, as well as supporting younger generations of Serbs living outside Serbia.

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Royal Dinner to Mark the Beginning of the Visit

The program will begin on June 19 with the traditional “Royal Dinner” at the banquet hall of St. Nicholas Church in the Chicago suburb of Lyons, where representatives of the Serbian community from Chicago and the surrounding area will gather.

This charitable and ceremonial event will provide an opportunity for guests to meet members of the Royal Family and discuss future projects of importance to Serbs living abroad.

Vidovdan Dedicated to the Unity of the Serbian People

Two days later, on June 21, Vidovdan will be commemorated at the Cathedral Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Chicago.

The observance will begin with a solemn Hierarchical Divine Liturgy officiated by Archbishop of New Gračanica and Chicago and Metropolitan of Midwestern America Longin, together with the clergy of the cathedral.

Following the liturgy, a ceremonial luncheon and traditional Vidovdan program will be held, dedicated to preserving historical memory, spiritual heritage, and the national identity of the Serbian people.

Organizers emphasize that Vidovdan remains a symbol of freedom, sacrifice, honor, and responsibility toward future generations—values that unite Serbs around the world.

Tribute to King Peter II

On the same day, members of the Royal Family will visit the Monastery of St. Sava in Libertyville, where they will attend a memorial service for the late King Peter II Karađorđević.

Following the service, Hereditary Prince Philip will lay a wreath at the grave of his grandfather, the last reigning Serbian king.

The gesture will honor a figure who holds a special place in Serbian history and the collective memory of the Serbian people.

Major Project for Serbian Children Worldwide to Be Presented

Particular attention will be given to a gathering with representatives of the Serbian community on June 22 at the “Ambar” restaurant, where a new humanitarian and educational initiative called “Serbian Camp” will be unveiled.

The project is being launched under the patronage of Hereditary Prince Philip and Princess Danica, with its first activities planned for 2027.

The initiative will bring together children from Serbia, Republika Srpska, Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbian communities throughout the world, with the goal of preserving the Serbian language, culture, and traditions while fostering lasting friendships among younger generations.

During their stay in Chicago, Their Royal Highnesses will also visit the Cathedral Church summer camp and the St. Sava Academy, a unique Serbian Orthodox elementary school in this part of the United States attended by more than 200 students.

“Princess Evening” to Conclude the Visit

On Tuesday, June 23, a special event dedicated to women, titled “Princess Evening,” will be held in Burr Ridge.

Princess Danica will deliver a lecture entitled “The Modern Woman Between Tradition and the Future,” followed by a cocktail reception and social gathering with guests.

Strengthening Ties With the Diaspora

The Royal Household stated that it looks forward to meeting the Serbian community in Chicago and expressed gratitude to all those who have spent decades preserving the Serbian name, Orthodox faith, and love for their homeland.

The visit is being viewed as an important step in further strengthening relations between the Karađorđević Royal Family and the Serbian diaspora, with a special emphasis on preserving national identity and connecting younger generations of Serbs around the world.

Those interested in attending the “Royal Dinner” and “Princess Evening” may make reservations by phone at (708) 981-5244 or via email at serbiantimesinfo@gmail.com.