Prince Filip and Princess Danica Karadjordjevic Visited Parishes in Hamilton

On June 27, 2026, the parish communities of Hamilton were honoured to host Their Royal Highnesses Prince Filip and Princess Danica Karadjordjevic, along with their children, Prince Stefan and Princess Marija, during their visit to Canada as part of their North American tour. The Royal Family first visited the Saint Nicholas Church on Barton Street, and then the Saint Nicholas Cathedral on Nash Road.

In the Cathedral, they were welcomed according to an old tradition, with bread and salt, by the future of the local community, Serbian children. The dean of the church, the parish priest of West Hamilton, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Dragomir Ninkovic, and the parish priest of East Hamilton, Protopresbyter Djuro Samac, welcomed the prince and his family, and they introduced him to the history of this church community, presenting him with a church monography. In his welcoming speech, Prince Filip thanked them for the hospitality and said that he was very moved. He pointed out that, having been born in the diaspora himself, he knows that it is not easy to live outside the motherland, but that it is easier if we stick to our Church, history, tradition and people. He recalled that his grandfather, King Peter II, visited this community in 1964. He also had his photograph taken next to a portrait of his grandmother, Queen Marija Karadjordjevic. The church's inaugural Circle of Serbian Sisters was named Kraljica Marija (Queen Marija) in tribute to the beloved queen and Prince Filip's daughter is also named Marija in tribute to her great-grandmother which gave the photo a particularly meaningful connection.

The visit to the church was followed by a tour of the grounds of the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Centre in Binbrook. Afterwards, a gala was held at the Winona Vine Estates banquet hall in Winona. The event began with the playing of the national anthems of Canada and Serbia, performed by the Saint Nicholas Church Choir, and the Lord's Prayer. Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Dragomir Ninkovic and Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Vojislav Pavlovic blessed the festive meal. The event was hosted by Stasa Stevanovic and Melanija Cvijetic, who introduced the following speakers: Chief of Protocol Igor Stevanovic, President of the Serbian League of Canada Zoran Cvijetic, President of the PSCRG branch Bosko Asanovic, Member of the Canadian Federal Parliament Ned Kuruc, who read a letter of welcome from the Premier of Ontario Doug Ford, and finally Prince Filip Karadjordjevic, who gave a heartfelt speech. During the dinner, the Sloga Serbian Folklore School, led by Djurdja and Boris Daic, presented performances of traditional songs and dances. The evening ended with a musical performance by Damjan Draca.

May the Lord God protect the entire Royal Family and bless them with good health, wisdom, and strength for many more blessed years.