Their Royal Highnesses Hereditary Prince Filip and Princess Danica Karađorđević will pay an official visit to the Serbian community in Chicago from June 19 to June 24, where, together with their children, Prince Stefan and Princess Marija, they will take part in a series of spiritual, cultural, and charitable events. According to the organizers, this will be the first official presentation of Hereditary Prince Filip and his family to the Serbian community in the United States in their capacity as Their Royal Highnesses.
Royal Dinner Opens the Visit
The program will begin on June 19 at 7:00 p.m. with the traditional “Royal Dinner” in the ceremonial hall of St. Nicholas Church in Lyons, a suburb of Chicago. Representatives of the Serbian community from Chicago and the surrounding area are expected to attend, and the event is envisioned as a charitable and formal evening that will allow direct contact with members of the Royal Family and discussion of future projects important to the Serbian people in the diaspora.
Vidovdan in the Spirit of Unity and Spiritual Heritage
Two days later, on June 21, Vidovdan will be commemorated at the Cathedral Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Chicago. The program begins with a solemn hierarchical liturgy at 9:30 a.m., which will be served by Archbishop of New Gračanica and Chicago and Midwestern American Metropolitan Longin, with the concelebration of the clergy of the Cathedral Church. 
After the liturgy, a formal luncheon and traditional Vidovdan cultural program will be held, dedicated to preserving historical memory, spiritual heritage, and the national identity of the Serbian people. The organizers emphasize that Vidovdan remains a symbol of freedom, sacrifice, honor, and responsibility toward future generations.
If you would like to attend the formal luncheon and the Vidovdan cultural and artistic program featuring the children’s choir and the Oko Sokolovo folklore ensemble, you can purchase a full table reservation or an individual ticket HERE.
Departure for Libertyville and Memorial Service for King Peter II
On the same day, members of the Royal Family will visit the St. Sava Monastery in Libertyville, where they will attend the Eternal Memorial Service for the late King Peter II Karađorđević. After the memorial service, Hereditary Prince Filip will lay a wreath at the grave of his grandfather, the last reigning Serbian king. In this way, tribute will be paid to a figure who, as stated, holds a special place in the history of Serbia and in the collective memory of the Serbian people.
“Serbian Camp” Will Also Be Presented in Chicago
Special attention during the visit will be drawn to the meeting with representatives of the Serbian community, scheduled for June 22 at the restaurant “Ambar,” where the new humanitarian and educational project “Serbian Camp” will be presented.
This is an initiative being carried out under the patronage of Hereditary Prince Filip and Princess Danica, and the project is scheduled to begin in 2027. According to the announcement, the camp will gather children from Serbia, Republika Srpska, Montenegro, and the Serbian diaspora around the world, with the goal of preserving the Serbian language, culture, and tradition, while also creating lasting friendships among younger generations.
During their stay in Chicago, the Royal Family will also visit the summer camp of the Cathedral Church, as well as St. Sava Academy, a Serbian Orthodox elementary school attended by more than 200 students.
“Princess’s Evening” and a Message of Strengthening Ties With the Diaspora
On Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m., “Princess’s Evening,” a special event dedicated to ladies, will be held at Pella Signature restaurant in Burr Ridge. On that occasion, Princess Danica will deliver a lecture titled “The Modern Woman Between Tradition and the Future,” after which a cocktail reception and social gathering with guests will follow.
The Royal House says it is looking forward to meeting the Serbian community in Chicago and thanks all those who have for decades preserved the Serbian name, the Orthodox faith, and love for the homeland. The visit is being described as an important step in further strengthening relations between the Karađorđević Royal House and the Serbian people in the diaspora, with particular emphasis on preserving national identity and connecting younger generations of Serbs around the world.
Those interested in attending the “Royal Dinner” and “Princess’s Evening” may reserve their place by phone at 708 981 5244 or by email at serbiantimesinfo@gmail.com.
Source & Photos: Serbian Times
