The Death of Peter II Karadjordjevic: Last King of Yugoslavia

The Legacy of Peter II Karadjordjevic

The Rise of Peter II Karadjordjevic

Peter II Karadjordjevic was born on December 6, 1923, in London, England. He became the last King of Yugoslavia following the death of his father, King Alexander I, in 1934. His reign, however, faced numerous challenges, including the rise of fascism and World War II's profound impact on his country.

The Challenges Faced by Peter II

Peter II ascended the throne at an early age as a young boy of 11, which made him vulnerable to political manipulation and turbulence. His government faced many trials, including invasion by Nazi Germany and the complex political landscape of Yugoslavia during World War II, leading to his eventual exile.

Peter II's Exile and Later Years

Life in Exile

After the Nazi occupation in 1941, King Peter II fled to London, where he continued to advocate for Yugoslavia, attempting to rally support from the Allies. Unfortunately, his efforts were met with mixed results, as the Yugoslav Partisans gained prominence, leading to the eventual establishment of a socialist regime.

The Death of Peter II Karadjordjevic

Peter II Karadjordjevic died on November 3, 1970, in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 57. His death marked the end of the Karadjordjevic dynasty's direct involvement in Yugoslav politics. He was buried at the Church of St. George in Oplenac, Serbia, and his passing was met with reflections on the turbulent history of Yugoslavia during his reign.

Fun Fact

The Unusual Last Wish of Peter II

One interesting fact about Peter II is that he expressed a desire to return to his homeland and to be buried there. Despite passing away in the United States, his remains were later transferred to Serbia, fulfilling his last wish.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Peter II Karadjordjevic

For those interested in diving deeper into the life and legacy of Peter II, consider reading "The last King of Yugoslavia: Peter II's Story" and "Yugoslavia: Death of a Nation" for rich insights into this extraordinary figure.