King Alexander I Greece Signed Royal Letter To Tsar King Peter I Serbia Royalty

Description

This exceedingly rare and historically significant original c.1917 Greek royal manuscript letter was handwritten and signed by King Alexander I of Greece, addressing King Peter I of Serbia. The four-page letter, penned on a single leaf of laid paper, measures approximately 15.25 inches by 10.5 inches and remains in fine condition. It is a unique, museum-quality artifact that captures a pivotal moment in Greek history: the announcement of Alexander’s accession to the throne following the abdication of his father, King Constantine I.

The letter, written in black fountain pen ink, expresses Alexander’s respect for his predecessor and his determination to lead Greece during a challenging time. He conveys confidence in the enduring friendship between Greece and Serbia and acknowledges the weight of responsibility he now carries as king. The eloquence of the letter highlights the strong diplomatic and familial ties between the two nations, which were allies during the turbulent years of World War I.

The translated text of the letter reads:
*"To His Majesty the King of Serbia.

Sir, My Brother,

Called by the abdication of my good, very venerated, and very beloved father, and not that of my good and very beloved elder brother, to the Throne of Greece, I fulfill my duty to announce my accession, with the confidence that my reign will meet with your support.

I pray you to be assured that, on my side, I will strive with all my strength to be worthy of the eminent but difficult task that I have just assumed. I hope it will yield salutary results and effectively contribute to the prosperity and happiness of the Hellenic Nation.

I beg you to accept the assurance of my high esteem and unalterable friendship, with which I am,

Your devoted brother,
Alexander R.

July 6, 1917."*

King Alexander I of Greece (1893–1920) reigned from June 11, 1917, until his untimely death on October 25, 1920. His accession followed the abdication of his father, King Constantine I, under Allied pressure during World War I. Alexander’s reign was marked by political upheaval and his limited autonomy, as Greece was under heavy influence from the Allies and his prime minister, Eleftherios Venizelos. Despite these challenges, his reign was pivotal in advancing Greece's territorial expansion through its participation in the Allied victory in the war.

The recipient of the letter, King Peter I of Serbia (1844–1921), was a constitutional monarch and a revered leader of Serbia. During his reign, Peter oversaw Serbia’s unification with other South Slavic nations to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes in 1918, later known as Yugoslavia. The friendship and collaboration between Greece and Serbia during World War I strengthened their shared resistance against common adversaries and their support for each other's sovereignty.

This document stands as a testament to the deep historical and diplomatic ties between Greece and Serbia, as well as to the personal dynamics of monarchical leadership during a critical period in European history. The letter’s impeccable preservation and profound historical significance make it an exceptional artifact for collectors, historians, and institutions dedicated to royal or wartime history. It offers a tangible connection to the leadership and aspirations of King Alexander I during a defining chapter in Greece’s modern era.