The murderers of King Alexander and Queen Draga, who on that gruesome dawn of the 11th June 1903 made themselves masters of Belgrade, and consequently of Serbia, have taken care that many of the details of their terrible deed should not be made public. But those few details which could not be hidden were of such a revolting and horrible nature that the whole civilised world stood aghast; indeed, the conscience of the civilised nations has not yet recovered from the shock that it then received. But the assassination of King Alexander and Queen Draga was more terrible, and the drama of King Alexander’s destiny more tragical, than is generally known. It has seemed to me, in the interests of history and justice, that the world should learn the whole truth. In presenting an historical sketch of the last years and sad end of the Obrenovich Dynasty I have no political object in view. An inscrutable Providence has enacted on the volcanic platform of a small Balkan State a tragedy, of which the extraordinary sadness must always arouse in the hearts of noble and generous men and women the deepest pity and sympathy. I intend to describe that tragedy. I wish impartially to relate all that can be justly and truthfully said for and against King Alexander and Queen Draga, that can explain that horrible deed, and all that can be said in justification – or at least in extenuation – of that crime. My desire is to tell the whole truth, and by truth to move my readers to pity the victims as well as the principal actors of this, the greatest tragedy of the last hundred years. Čedomilj Mijatović A Royal Tragedy ISBN: xxx 137 pages

Read a sample About the author Čedomilj Mijatović (1842–1932) was a Serbian statesman, economist, diplomat, historian, and writer who played a significant role in the modernization of nineteenth-century Serbia. He was born on 17 October 1842 in Belgrade, then part of the Principality of Serbia. Educated in both Serbia and Western Europe, he became one of the leading advocates of economic and political reform in his country. Mijatović entered public service at an early age and held several of the highest offices in the Serbian government. During his long political career, he served multiple times as Minister of Finance and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was instrumental in introducing modern financial institutions, promoting economic development, and strengthening Serbia’s international position. His efforts helped transform Serbia from a largely agrarian principality into a more modern European state. As a diplomat, Mijatović represented Serbia in several European capitals, including London, where he spent many years and gained considerable respect in British political and intellectual circles. He played an important role in the diplomatic negotiations that followed the Russo-Turkish War and contributed to securing international recognition of Serbia’s independence at the Congress of Berlin. In addition to politics, Mijatović was a prolific author who wrote on Serbian history, economics, religion, and international affairs. His historical studies and memoirs remain valuable sources for understanding nineteenth-century Serbia. Čedomilj Mijatović died in London on 14 May 1932. He is remembered as one of the principal architects of modern Serbia and as a distinguished diplomat and intellectual.