Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine, and Prince Alexander opened at the Royal Palace in Belgrade the exhibition “The Crown of Kindness,” dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the birth of His Royal Highness’s grandmother, Her Majesty Queen Maria
The exhibition was authored by Mr. Dušan Babac, M.A., Chairman of the Crown’s Advisory Bodies and a member of the Crown Council.
This event is dedicated to one of the most beloved figures in Serbian history – the Queen Mother – who remains a symbol of kindness, compassion, and genuine love for her people. On this occasion, replicas of official portraits and rarely seen photographs, a bust, and personal belongings of the late Queen were presented, along with her diadem kept in Oplenac, and an almost never-before-seen portrait by Grigorije Samoilov, badly damaged during the Allied bombing of Belgrade in 1944. What makes this exhibition even more special is its location – the home of the Karađorđević family – where Queen Maria once lived and which she imbued with her own charm and warmth.
“My dear grandmother remains in the memory of all who knew her as an ideal, a source of inspiration, encouragement, and guidance in times of great trials. Her kindness and generosity transcended borders and circumstances, leaving behind indelible traces of nobility and humanity. But above all, she was loved. People felt and reciprocated her authentic affection – and that is why she has remained remembered as our most beloved queen. In the hearts of our people, she will forever remain the Queen of Kindness and Compassion.
This exhibition is dedicated not only to her life and work but also to her lasting legacy – to the memory of a queen who knew how to be close to everyone and who showed, through her example, the true meaning of love and humanity. Let this solemn moment remind us that true values – kindness, selflessness, and love – never fade. They continue to guide us and give us strength to build a future worthy of her example,” said the Crown Prince in his address.
Author Mr. Babac emphasized in his speech the importance of preserving the memory of such extraordinary individuals as the late Queen, adding:
“Queen Maria, through her life and deeds, left deep and indelible marks of kindness, charity, and care for others. Her legacy is not only historical but also moral and humanitarian – she remains a light and a beacon even today. That is precisely the essence of this exhibition: to remind us of the eternal values that can still inspire us.
I would also like to mention that a few years ago, in museological circles, an idea appeared to create a joint exhibition about Queen Maria and Jovanka Broz. I must clearly state that such a concept would be, for obvious reasons, more than inappropriate – even offensive – to truth, to history, and to the very dignity of Queen Maria. Let us keep in mind one simple fact: in life, Queen Maria and Jovanka Broz never met – and perhaps it is best that it remains so with exhibitions as well.
Therefore, this exhibition was created with the desire to pay a dignified and sincere tribute to Queen Maria, a person who truly earned our respect through her life and work.”
As already mentioned, Queen Maria is still remembered as a great benefactor and humanitarian, whose significant contribution was the support of the healthcare system of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Professor Dr. Aleksandar Simić, member of the Crown Council and full professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, spoke about the exceptional contribution of the late Queen to Serbian healthcare. Among other things, she personally opened many hospitals that still serve the people today, including: the University Clinical Center of Serbia, the First Surgical Clinic, the University Children’s Hospital “Tiršova,” the Institute of Oncology, and many others.
“Her contribution to healthcare was not merely symbolic or ceremonial, but profoundly substantial, leaving indelible marks that endure to this day and will continue into the future. Her dedication was not limited to funding, donations, and formal activities – she personally exemplified kindness, charity, compassion, and closeness to those in need of help and hope. The people, especially the sick and the poor, always felt her genuine love for them, which is why she became our most beloved queen, often called the ‘People’s Queen.’
Her ability to remain a resolute and courageous monarch in difficult times, while being a gentle and caring mother, as well as her perseverance in developing the healthcare system of her Kingdom, left a lasting example for us all. Her legacy is not only in the buildings and donations but in the values she instilled through her deeds – faith in humanity, solidarity, and responsibility toward others,” said Professor Simić.
The opening ceremony was attended by Their Excellencies the ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Mr. Edward Ferguson; the Kingdom of Spain, Mr. Juan José Sanz Aparicio; Romania, Mrs. Silvia Davidoiu; Argentina, Mr. Osvaldo Narciso Marsico; and Montenegro, Mr. Nebojša Đoković, as well as other members of the diplomatic corps, members of the Crown’s advisory bodies, representatives of state and cultural institutions, and numerous distinguished guests from the fields of business, art, culture, and public life in Serbia.
The exhibition “The Crown of Kindness” will be open to visitors on weekdays until October 24, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with prior announcement to the Office of HRH Crown Prince Alexander, by phone at +381 11 306 4000 or by email at [email protected].
