Over 1,200 children were guests of Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine at the White Palace today, for the traditional Easter receptions that the Royal Couple have been organizing for 15 years in a row for socially vulnerable children. As in previous years, today’s reception for the children was attended by His Grace Bishop Arsenije of Toplica, vicar Bishop of Patriarch Irinej, father Nebojsa Topolic, from the church of St. Vasilije of Ostrog in Bezanijska kosa, as well as by numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps and socially responsible companies that have supported the organization of this very important reception for children.
Children with disabilities, children without parental care and Roma children enjoyed today with gifts given by the Royal Couple prepared for them with their associates from the Foundation of Crown Princess Katherine and Lifeline Chicago and Lifeline Canada Humanitarian Organizations who’s Patron is Crown Princess Katherine, as well as Our Serbs Foundation from Chicago and their director Mrs Kathy Fanslow. As every year, great joy among the children sparked the egg hunt in the Royal Park in front of the White Palace. After the search followed the handout of gifts. The Crown Prince and Crown Princess handed out toys, children’s books and packets of sweets and snacks. His Grace Bishop Arsenije of Toplica gave icons that illustrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Crown Prince Alexander said he was very happy that he saw smiles and joyful children’s faces at the White Palace, and told them that their every visit should be seen as coming to their home, because the White Palace and the Royal Palace are the home for all our children, and a house for all our people.
Crown Princess Katherine added that Christmas and Easter are the most important holidays for her, not only because of the symbolism that they bring, but also because for 15 years now before the two big holidays the White Palace is filled with children’s smiles and joy, and for her there is no greater happiness than the happiness that is brought by joyful children’s faces and their smiles.
“Like every year, we have prepared a lot of gifts. Do you know that the greatest gift that the Crown Prince and I can give you – is our love! Be sure that you are never alone, that we have always been and will always be there for you and with you” – said Crown Princess Katherine.
His Grace Bishop Arsenije of Toplica talked to the kids about the symbolism and significance of the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and told them it was very important that they try to be good and obedient, and to grow into hardworking, honest and honorable people.
Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine thank the socially responsible companies and organizations that have supported the organization of today’s reception. Among them the company ORBIKO that donated MATEL brand toys, the fashion house BALASEVIC, COCA COLA HELLENIC HBC SERBIA, Mega Plast, Nestle Adriatic, “Carolija” Choir, Balloon center, Bema d.o.o., Labyrinth, Reno Sava d.o.o., Evro Book, Bakery 30, Choir of Children Cultural Center, Embassy of Kuwait, Delegation of European Union in Serbia, Embassy of Finland, Australian Embassy in Serbia, Russian Embassy in Serbia, German School in Belgrade, Rudjer Boskovic School and Mrs Kathy Fanslow and organization “Our Serbs” from Chicago.
