King Alexander of Serbia is a deeply flawed ruler, and his reign is considered disgraceful. His appearance suggests a troubled individual, almost as if he had escaped from an asylum for the morally corrupt, but he is far from physically or mentally weak. On the contrary, he possesses a strong constitution and, on several occasions, has shown remarkable courage and leadership, qualities that could be attributed to a great general. Unfortunately, Alexander inherited some of his father’s vices, the late King Milan, who was regarded as one of the worst rulers Europe had seen in generations. However, despite his shortcomings, Alexander exhibited a type of moral and physical courage that Milan never displayed The Troubled Reign of Milan and the Rise of Alexander.
Draga Maschin’s Rise to Power
Draga Maschin, the daughter of a Serbian cattle dealer, ascended to the throne through a series of dramatic sacrifices and manipulative schemes that could rival any fictional story. Despite her success, she was not happy. Both she and her young husband, King Alexander, were rejected by all the royal courts of Europe. Queen Victoria of England was so disgusted by the events unfolding in Belgrade that she even considered withdrawing the British ambassador to Serbia to express her disapproval. While scandals have occurred in other royal families, none in recent generations were as shocking as the one in Serbia. As a result, the royal couple found themselves isolated, without recognition from any other royal houses, which disappointed and humiliated Queen Draga.
Political Crisis and the Lack of an Heir
One of the most recent political crises in Serbia stemmed from a serious issue: the royal couple had not yet produced an heir. The nation was caught up in the intrigue surrounding the search for a successor to the throne. In a somewhat ironic observation, a local guide commented that “some people complain about having too many children, but this is the first time I’ve heard of national politics being shaken by the lack of one.” Serbia, while a small country, holds a significant role in European politics as a “buffer state” between Russia and the Mediterranean port that the Russian Tsar desires. Austria’s influence in Serbia is stronger than Russia’s, but there is a Russian faction within Serbia, representing the interests of a family whose ancestors once held the throne. This faction is often suspected of plotting to regain power Sofia Tours.
The Uncertain Future of Serbia
The lack of an heir added fuel to the political instability in Serbia, creating even more uncertainty about the country’s future. Serbia’s position between two powerful forces—Russia and Austria—means its internal issues have wider implications for European politics. The royal family’s scandals and the political divisions in the country further complicated the delicate balance in this small yet strategically important state.