ROYAL COMPLEX AGAIN PART OF THE DAYS OF THE EUROPEAN HERITAG

Belgrade, 8 October 2026 - The Royal family of Serbia once again opened the doors of their home to be part of the manifestation Days of the European Heritage, an event which has been held regularly in Belgrade since 2002 as part of the wider European initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, and this year’s theme is Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine. TRH Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine personally greeted some visitors when their other obligations allowed.

“With great pleasure, I once again welcomed the opportunity for my family’s home, the Royal Palace, to once again take part in the celebration of European Heritage Days. The Royal Complex is an important part of Serbia’s cultural and historical heritage, and I am especially pleased that so many people took the opportunity to visit it. It is my sincere wish that visitors from Serbia and from abroad can learn more about the history of the Royal Family, the Royal Palace and our country through such occasions.

This year’s theme, ‘Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine’, is a particularly important reminder that our cultural treasures must be preserved for future generations, and the Royal Complex, as an important part of Serbia’s national heritage, must be protected and safeguarded from anything that could threaten the future of such a historical site, one that is nearly a century old.

Opening the gates of the Royal Complex to the public was one of the first decisions I made after we returned to Serbia in 2001. After decades when this beautiful place was effectively a ‘forbidden city’, accessible only to a limited number of people, I strongly felt it should be open to visitors and that everyone should have the opportunity to experience its history and heritage.

I hope that everyone who visited the Royal Complex during this year’s European Heritage Days enjoyed the tours and the opportunity to experience, first-hand, an important part of Serbia’s history. Our country has a remarkable cultural heritage and many places we can rightly be proud of. I am certain that this year’s European Heritage Days provided a wonderful opportunity to discover, appreciate and celebrate that heritage, and to remind ourselves of the richness that Serbia has to offer,” said HRH Crown Prince Alexander.

 

June 17 A second visit to Duke's Lane

 

My final day in England.  Katrina invited me to join her at Duke's Lane.  She had errands to run before heading to Windsor, so today's plan was for me to take the train from Waterloo to Sunningdale.   I walked from the train station down London Road to Broomhall Lane, and stood under a shady tree until Katrina turned the corner, stopped, and I jumped into the car.

We parked in the same parking lot - a field -- and headed to a shady spot.  

Much to our delight, the second carriage included the Prince and Princess of Wales.  I must admit the carriages went by sooooooo fast today.

The Queen and Lady Sarah Chatto

Katrina dropped me off at the intersection of London Road and Broomhall Lane, a short walk to the Sunningdale Station.

Headed back to my Airbnb in Camden,  before heading to the Camden Town Brewery.  Camden Ale is my absolute favorite beer (and I cannot buy it in the US.)  To my disappointment, though, I learned that the local brew is now owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev.  Boo.  

I ordered a pint and chips at the bar,  and then sat outside.  A nice, relaxing late afternoon.  Back at my lovely Airbnb, my host made me a cup of tea.  I ordered a small pizza from the pizzeria across the street -- and then went for a walk by the canal.  The streets were quiet as England's first World Cup Game.  

Finished packing and watched a bit of the game with my host.   The next morning, up early and walked to Pedro's Cafe (165 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 8PD) for breakfast.   Scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit and toast -- and of course, coffee.

My host walked with me to the bus stop, where I caught the bus to Paddington.  Excellent host.  Second time I stayed with her.   London's public transportation system is superb (on most days).  You don't have to stay in the tourist areas, which include Kensington, Victoria, Bayswater Road, Marble Arch, and Westminster.  London is a BIG city with many great neighborhoods to explore.  During my many visits, I have stayed in Kensington, Gloucester Road, Earl's Court, Bayswater Road (Columbia Hotel, Best Western, Grand Royal Hyde Park, and Edgeware Road, until the Hilton's prices shot up).

The Columbia Hotel was once a Red Cross hospital run by Lady Randolph Churchill, and more recently, where up-and-coming rock stars hung out.   I loved the Grand Royal because it was once Lily Langtry's home.  The hotel bar kept her stage.  The room off the lobby included portraits of Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII.   The breakfast room had several cabinets displaying Lily's possessions.  

I love staying in Airbnbs.  I have never had a bad experience.  I have stayed three times in Walthamstow (twice with a couple who own a home across from the Wetlands), and also in a Victorian cottage down a path, rather than a street.  Twice in Battersea:  near Battersea Park, and in a condo overlooking the Thames, which I had to myself for a week.  The flat had a balcony, where I sat with coffee every morning... delightful!

Battersea is great for access to Clapham Junction.   And, in the Summer of 1980, I lived in Turnham Green, housesitting for friends.  

Staying in London neighborhoods away from the touristy areas. You get local coffee shops, restaurants, pubs, and great breakfast places.   And sometimes, a good local ale as well.

June 16 - Duke's Lane and RHS Wisley

    

I picked up breakfast at Waterloo Station before getting on the train to Brookwood, where my friend Katrina would pick me up.  After a brief stop at her house, we headed to Duke's Lane.  At the bottom of the hill, she showed me her parking spot and then headed to the parking lot off Duke's Lane.  These parking passes are like gold.

We joined Katrina's friend, Val, and her husband, and settled down for a lovely picnic.  The Royal School, located in Windsor Great Park, sets up a PTA bake sale every year.  I walked over to the bake sale, and one of the mom's said to me: "I remember you from last year.  You like Victoria Sponge Cake."

"Yes, please," I replied.  I added, "Thank you,"  after I paid for the slice.

Val took a photo and said, "You and your cake!"

I love Victoria Sponge Cake!!!

We arrived about noon.  Most people who picnic on both sides of Duke's Lane are locals, with a few tourists, except those who have dear friends and invite them to come.  The press are not invited -- and they are all at Ascot.

Duke's Lane is where the carriages arrive about 1:30, about 10 minutes before the royals arrive in cars from Windsor Castle.

As soon as the royals arrive, people starting applauding and taking pictures.  The police know who to entertain, as they have puppets which they wave from the windows, usually when following these carriages.

This police car headed toward Ascot before the carriages arrived.

The King and Queen are accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Wellington

Peter and Harriet cannot keep their eyes off each other

Sir Ben Elliot is Queen Camilla's nephew

After the carriages, cars and security are down Duke's Lane, we gather blankets and chairs and head to the car.  Katrina has an idea to visit RHS Wisley, one of Britain's premier gardens.  She knows I love flowers, so off we go.  

The gardens are in Woking, which meant a bit of a trip on the M1.  It was a blistering hot day  -- the only rain during my trip was at Belvoir Castle.

A male mallard

Mrs. Mallard ... As most people know, I love ducks

I will dance for you, nice American lady with Camera

RHS Wisley is huge, and we saw only a fraction of the gardens.

Princess Alexandra of Kent Rose in Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden

The Rose Gardens are breathtaking -- and stunning.

This Rose is named for the Princess of Wales

https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-us/our-people/the-royal-family/royal-rose

Fir Tree

Some people thought the heron was fake ... it wasn't

We headed back to Katrina's house to decide about dinner - and the final choice was The Royal Oak Pub in Pirbright.

Dinner was excellent -- I had a Pimm's Cup as well.    And then it was back at the train station to catch the train to Waterloo, then the Northern Line to Camden Town.