Prince Filip Karađorđević has issued a public appeal to the Serbian state authorities and the city authorities of Belgrade to protect the dignity and historical value of the Pioneer Park, which is a "living monument to Serbian statehood, culture and identity", and has been an improvised camp for months, with citizens denied access, reports the newspaper. N1.
Philip's office reported that he said that "as the heir to a dynasty that is woven into the history of Serbian statehood and culture, I feel a moral obligation to address the public and call on the competent institutions to protect the dignity of one of the most valuable spaces in our capital, Pioneer Park, the former Palace Park."
He recalled that the first Serbian palace, built in 1843 by Prince Aleksandar Karađorđević, was located precisely in the area of today's Pioneer Park.
"This is where the creation of the state and cultural center of Serbia began, where court protocol was established for the first time and the spirit of an emancipated ruling house took hold, bringing Serbia closer to European countries," he said.
Prince Philip also recalled the historical connection between the three representative buildings surrounding the park – the Old Palace, the New Palace, and the National Assembly building.
"The old palace, built by King Milan I Obrenović, was the residence of Kings Peter I and Alexander I Karađorđević. The new palace, today's building of the Presidency of Serbia, was built as the palace of my great-grandfather, King Alexander I, while the House of the National Assembly was created as a symbol of state representation and popular authority, the cornerstone of which was laid by King Peter I," recalled Prince Philip.
He added that these buildings form a unique whole of the first state and palace complex in Serbia and that together they are "testimony to the durability of Serbian statehood and culture."
"The Pioneer Park is today a legally protected natural asset and a cultural and historical complex of exceptional importance. Its value is not only aesthetic - it has a state, representative and tourist dimension, because in its surroundings are the highest institutions of the Republic of Serbia and landmarks that represent the face of our country before the world," the prince pointed out.
Prince Philip specifically appealed for the removal of the camp, which has been in the park since winter and has been "disturbing the appearance, value and meaning of this space for months."
"Such a sight is not just a matter of aesthetics or security, it insults the memory of history, undermines the dignity of state institutions and encourages unnecessary social divisions," warned Prince Philip.
He reminded that "Pioneer's Park, or Palace Park, belongs to all citizens of Serbia, regardless of their political, ideological or any other affiliation."
"It is a place that should bring us together, not separate us, a space that reflects our common heritage, pride and state continuity," said Filip Karađorđević.
Prince Philip finally called on the competent institutions to act in accordance with the law and protect the park as a natural and cultural treasure of exceptional importance.
"May this space once again be what it has always been: a place of peace, respect and unity for all citizens of Serbia," said the heir to the Karađorđević dynasty.
Bonus video:
