Transradio Press Service, Belgrade, Tuesday, 13 July 1948
“This is Robert Trout, reporting from Belgrade, Yugoslavia:”
“This city, normally bustling and festive, lies sombre and disconsolate, as Yugoslavs of all walks of life gather to say a final farewell to their beloved monarch, King Alexander. Authorities estimate that nearly five hundred thousand mourners will line the route that leads from the White Palace, residence of the Kings of Yugoslavia, to St. Georges Church in Topola, the burial place of the Ducal and Royal Family; built on the spot where Karađorđe was chosen as the leader of the first Serbian uprising against the Ottoman Empire in 1804.”
“From where I stand I can now see the leading element of the honour guard emerging from the grounds of the Palace, followed by the horse-drawn caisson bearing the body of the late King. A hush falls over the crowd as the cortege gets underway, punctuated by muffled drums. Following immediately behind the caisson on foot are Crown Prince Petar and his brothers, Prince Tomislav and Prince Andrew. In turn they are followed by carriages carrying the many foreign visitors – including Tsar Boris of Bulgaria, Chancellor Adenauer of Germany, Prime Minister Atlee of Great Britain, President Clemenceau of France, President Fyodorov of the Russian Federation, Prime Minister Spaak of Belgium, and Prime Minister Land of the Netherlands.”
“As the caisson bearing the King’s body makes it way down the boulevard the crowd seems to undulate as men and women bow in paying last respects to their beloved monarch – some dropping to their knees in prayer. In the wake of the carriages bearing the heads of state and government are car-after-car of other important visitors – the diplomatic corps, half of Europe’s surviving aristocracy, and many others.”