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Alexander ObrenovichKing of Serbia from 1889 to 1903
Date of Birth: 14.08.1876
Country:  Serbia |
Content:
- King Alexander I of Serbia: The Last Obrenović Monarch
- Reign as King Consort
- New Constitution and Heirlessness
- May Coup and Assassination
- Legacy
King Alexander I of Serbia: The Last Obrenović Monarch
Early Life and AccessionAlexander Obrenović was born in Belgrade on August 14, 1876, as the only son of King Milan IV Obrenović and Queen Natalia (Kéchko). After the deterioration of his parents' relationship, Alexander's education was entrusted to his mother in Germany and France. However, in 1887, his father abducted him with Prussian police assistance.
Reign as King Consort
When Milan IV abdicated in 1889, Alexander became King Consort of Serbia. He married Draga Mašin in 1900, who exerted a significant influence on him. They engaged in favoritism and nepotism, replacing Milan's appointees with their own.
New Constitution and Heirlessness
In 1901, Alexander introduced a new constitution that established a Senate with appointed members. Earlier that year, he announced his hope for an heir, but the claim proved unfounded. Draga's pregnancy was either a deliberate deception or a self-deception, tarnishing their reputation.
May Coup and Assassination
On the night of May 28-29, 1903, a group of army officers led by Colonel Dragutin Dimitrijević staged a coup known as the May Coup. They stormed the royal palace and assassinated Alexander and Draga. The murdered king was buried in the Krušedol Monastery in Vojvodina.
Legacy
Alexander's assassination marked the end of the Obrenović dynasty in Serbia. He was succeeded by Peter I Karađorđević, ushering in a new era of Serbian monarchy.
