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Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia (1924–2016) facts for kids

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Prince Alexander
Alexander of Yugoslavia 1958 (cropped).jpg
Alexander in 1958
Born (1924-08-13)13 August 1924
White Lodge, Richmond Park, England
Died 12 May 2016(2016-05-12) (aged 91)
Paris, France
Burial St. George's Church, Serbia
Spouse
Princess Maria Pia of Savoy
(m. 1955; div. 1967)

Princess Barbara of Liechtenstein
(m. 1973)
Issue Prince Dimitri
Prince Michael
Prince Sergius
Princess Helene
Prince Dušan
House Karađorđević
Father Paul, Prince Regent of Yugoslavia
Mother Princess Olga of Greece and Denmark
Religion Eastern Orthodox

Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia (born August 13, 1924 – died May 12, 2016) was an important member of the royal family of Yugoslavia. He was the older son of Prince Paul, who was a Regent of Yugoslavia in the 1930s. A Regent is someone who rules a country when the king or queen is too young or unable to rule. Alexander's mother was Princess Olga of Greece and Denmark.

Early Life and School

Alexander was born in the United Kingdom at White Lodge, Richmond Park. His aunt was Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent. This made him a first cousin to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, Prince Michael of Kent, and Princess Alexandra of Kent. He was also a cousin of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Alexander went to school at Ludgrove School.

Marriage and Family Life

On February 12, 1955, Prince Alexander married Princess Maria Pia of Savoy. She was the daughter of King Umberto II of Italy. Their wedding took place in Portugal. They had met a few months earlier during a royal boat trip in Greece.

Alexander and Maria Pia had four children together:

  • Prince Dimitri (born June 18, 1958)
  • Prince Michael (born June 18, 1958)
  • Prince Sergius (born March 12, 1963)
  • Princess Helene (born March 12, 1963)

Prince Alexander and Princess Maria Pia later divorced in 1967.

On November 2, 1973, Alexander married for a second time. He married Princess Barbara Eleonore Marie of Liechtenstein in Paris. They also had one son:

  • Prince Dušan Paul (born September 25, 1977)

Flying Career

Prince Alexander wanted to join the British Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. At first, he couldn't because of his father's political choices. But his uncle, Prince George, Duke of Kent, helped him join the RAF.

After the war, he became a pilot for British European Airways in 1951. He also enjoyed taking part in many flying competitions.

Other Activities

Alexander was one of the four people who started the Serbian Unity Congress. This group works to support Serbian people around the world. He also supported the Center for Research of Orthodox Monarchism.

In 2008, Prince Alexander spoke out against Kosovo declaring its independence.

To celebrate his 90th birthday in August 2014, a special article about his life was published in a UK magazine called Majesty.

Death and Burial

Prince Alexander passed away on May 12, 2016, in Paris, France. He had lived there with his wife for many years. He was buried in Oplenac, Serbia. This is where his parents and brother are also buried. Serbian Air Force pilots carried his coffin.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Alejandro Karađorđević (1924-2016) para niños

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