King Alexander about to get an heir

September 6, 1901

King Alexander of Serbia is "about to be provided with an heir apparent," reports the Marquise de Fontenoy.   He is being assisted in this matter by the Nicholas II of Russia and King Vittorio Emanuele of Italy. 

The King and Queen of Serbia will pay official visits to St. Petersburg and Rome, and "in return for the graciousness of the Russian and Italian sovereigns" to receive the Serbian couple,  King Alexander will proclaim Prince Mirko of Montenegro, the second son of the Prince of Montenegro as his heir apparent.

Prince Mirko is Queen Elena of Italy's favorite brother.   A treaty has already been submitted to King Alexander, where he will nominate Prince Mirko as the Crown Prince of Serbia.  One this is done -- and Alexander "has affixed his signature to the contract -- he and his wife, Queen Draga, will be welcomed by  Nicholas and Alexandra.

Although he is "no sense a Russian," Prince Mirko has great connections to the Russian court,  as two of his sisters, Militza and Anastasia are married to members of the Imperial family.  Both princesses were brought up at St. Petersburg "under the direction" of the Dowager Empress Marie, who paid their expenses, and her late husband, Emperor Alexander III, and the present Emperor, "have dowered each of the girls on their marriage, besides furnishing them with trousseaux."

Nicholas II bestowed one million rubles on the Crown Prince of Montenegro following his marriage three years ago to Duchess Jutta of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.