To be a (real) Princess is more than a crown and a title. It requires grace, elegance, poise and a certain charisma. In the case of Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia, it also entails authenticity, compassion and heart. Princess Katherine and her husband Crown Prince Alexander were in New York City June 5, 2014 for a fundraiser for their charity Lifeline, benefiting the victims of the recent Serbian floods.
The heartwarming event took place at the beautiful Liederkranz Foundation in the Upper East Side, with an informal cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m. and a seated dinner at 7:30 p.m. As guests gathered around the white tables brimming with freshly cut flowers and dining on an eloquently prepared three-course meal, complete with a Serbian National Colors Dessert of Mille-Feuille with Raspberry and Blueberry Coulis and Gold Flakes topped with Lemon Zests.
A fashion show was presented by renowned fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic with styling by Vogue Italia Fashion Editor Rushka Bergman, as well as a performance by primadonna opera singer Jadranka Jovanovic. A video showcased the devastation of the floods in Serbia towards the end of the meal service. Killing 50 people and leaving several thousand displaced, the Princess wants nothing more than to provide for her country.
“I love being in a country (United States) where people know how to give, and they have a big heart, and the focus of philanthropy. I am also very thankful to my parents, because my parents taught me the joy of giving,” said Princess Katherine. “I believe in this world, if you have more givers than takers, this world would be a better place.”
After helping people in Serbia for over 20 years, Princess Katherine knows that it’s not her duty to help these people, but rather the opportunity she has by way of her title. “Sometimes you have to just follow your feelings, and not question yourself to why and how,” remarked Princess Katherine.
The Princess saw firsthand the devastation of the floods and the lack of food, blankets and necessities need for those who have lost everything. With people still missing and family displaced, she hopes her philanthropy will make a difference for the people of Serbia. “There is money for war, but no money for peace. There is strategy for war, but not for peace,” shared Princess Katherine. “We are all here together on this planet at the same time. The least we could do is be together.” To help support Princess Katherine and the country of Serbia, please visit LifeLineNY.org.
