At the beginning of the last century, over a million of our compatriots found themselves in exile, forever deprived of their homeland, and no one could compensate for this loss. However, King Alexander Karađorđević of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes did everything possible to ensure that Russians could live comfortably in his country. Having spent his youth in Russia, he sincerely loved this country and cared for it with all his heart.

Even as the heir to the throne, Alexander received an excellent education in St. Petersburg at the Page Corps and even planned to marry the eldest daughter of Nicholas II, but World War I shattered his plans. After becoming the King of Serbia, he participated in the defense of his country, and in 1921 he led the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. Alexander did not forget the good deeds of the Russians for his people and warmly welcomed tens of thousands of exiles from Russia. He personally facilitated the relocation of Baron Wrangel's Russian army to Serbia and provided comprehensive assistance to the émigrés, from financial support to everyday needs.

Thanks to King Alexander's support, Russian children and youth were able to continue their education: gymnasiums, cadet corps, and military schools were opened. The monarch himself actively participated in the lives of the Russian émigrés, understanding the important role they played in the development of his country. The best Russian specialists, architects, doctors, engineers, teachers, and representatives of other professions helped Yugoslavia recover after the war. In return, the Serbs showed the émigrés the hospitality that was necessary for people who had lost their homeland.

Unfortunately, the fate of King Alexander I Karađorđević was tragic: on October 9, 1934, he was assassinated in Marseille by a member of a Macedonian terrorist organization. Along with the king, the French Foreign Minister Louis Barthou was killed. This event was a heavy blow to the Russian emigration, and thousands of White émigrés came to bid farewell to their benefactor. Even decades later, the descendants of the settlers from Russia appreciate everything that this great man did for them and cherish the good memory of the slain King Alexander Karađorđević.