A Royal Dinner was held this evening in the ceremonial hall of St. Nicholas Church in a suburb of Chicago, a charity event held in honor of Crown Prince Filip and Princess Danica Karađorđević.
The event, which promoted Serbian Camp, a joint project of the Royal Foundation and diaspora portal Serbian Times, attracted great interest from the Serbian diaspora, filling the hall to capacity.
Several generations of immigrants gathered in one place, including descendants of officers of the Yugoslav Royal Army who once swore allegiance to the grandfather and great-grandfather of Prince Filip.
They all came to greet the young hopes of the Serbian royal dynasty, who through their words and actions over the past several years have shown that monarchy is not merely a concept from history textbooks, but a potential that promises to become part of Serbia’s future.
Until that happens, the Karađorđević family demonstrated in Chicago that they possess the manners of European nobility while also maintaining a deep connection with their people, both in the homeland and throughout the diaspora.
“When a person comes to Chicago and sees this community, our churches, organizations, families, and so many young people gathered around their heritage, it is impossible not to feel proud. Not only because of what Serbs here have built, but because of the love for their roots that endures thousands of miles away from the homeland. Therefore, on behalf of my family, I want to sincerely thank you tonight. Thank you for preserving our faith, our tradition, and our language. Thank you for teaching your children who they are and where they come from,” Prince Filip told those gathered, earning warm and enthusiastic applause.
While the heir to the Karađorđević crown spoke about the inseparable ties between the Serbian people, their spirituality, and tradition, Princess Danica focused on a project designed to unite the diaspora and the homeland through those who matter most — the younger generations.
“A few years ago, unwilling to sit idly by in the face of the challenges affecting our country, especially Kosovo and Metohija, we decided to fight for the future and for young people. That is why, in Kosovo and Metohija, in the ancient city of Prizren, we supported a summer school of calligraphy and history that brought together children from central Serbia and children growing up in Kosovo and Metohija,” the Princess recalled before adding:
“It turned out that those friendships and life lessons lasted a lifetime. That school inspired us to create this project, Serbian Camp, as a way to connect our children from the diaspora with children in the homeland in an effort to preserve Serbian culture, tradition, language, spirituality, and history,” she announced, revealing a new initiative expected to launch as early as next summer, with Vrnjačka Banja serving as the first destination of the Serbian Camp.
Parents, grandparents, and future camp participants enthusiastically supported the idea, which aims to allow children from both the diaspora and Serbia to socialize, learn, connect, and create together.
The event was enriched by performances from Serbian artists from Chicago, showcasing some of the finest examples of Serbian culture and tradition in the region.
From the ensemble Sisters Radović, considered one of the most musical Serbian families in America, whose performance transported the audience at times to a European royal court and at others to a medieval Serbian palace…
To one of the finest Serbian folklore ensembles in the diaspora, “Oko Sokolovo,” led by acclaimed choreographer Milan Andrijanić…
And finally to the outstanding vocal and musical group “Zlatni Vez,” which has quickly become a sensation within Chicago’s Serbian community by blending traditional music with modern arrangements.
The program was hosted by Suzana Tesla, one of the most prominent Serbian artists in Chicago, and Antonije Kovačević, editor of Serbian Times.
The Royal Dinner received the blessing of Metropolitan Longin of Chicago, while in his absence Bishop Serafim addressed those present with an inspiring sermon. Prior to the dinner, he served an Akathist at St. Nicholas Church, supported by Father Nemanja Tešić, the parish priest and host, who together with his family and parishioners wholeheartedly supported the gathering, which in fact lasted throughout the day.
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The evening concluded with Crown Prince Filip and Princess Danica Karađorđević inviting everyone present to take photographs with them, a gesture that delighted attendees and once again demonstrated that, just as in Serbia, they consider themselves one with their people and maintain a close, personal connection with them.