An exclusive Interview with Prince Dimitri: Unveiling the Royal Sparkle of the Prince of Gems with Soul Committed to Art and Duty
Join us as Prince Dimitri shares invaluable insights into his roles and responsibilities, reflecting on the enduring values of royalty and the impact of orders of chivalry in contemporary world!
On 21 May 2024, in the presence of His Most Eminent Highness Fra' John T Dunlap, the Prince Grand Master and Head of the papal apostolic nunciature in New York, His Royal Highness Cav. Gr. Cr. Prince Dimitri was solemnly invested as the Knight of the Sovereign Order of Malta.
Also, on 1 January 2024, HRH Prince Dimitri became the Delegate of The American Delegation of Savoy Orders, headquartered in New York City, administering the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy in the United States.
His royal lineage is extremely rich with historical significance, as his mother was none other than Princess Maria Pia of Savoy, the eldest daughter of Umberto II, the last regnant King of Italy, while his father was Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia.
His full name is HRH Prince Dimitri Nicholas Paul George Maria of Yugoslavia, he was born on 18 June 1958 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, and through his grandparents is connected to most of the European royal families.
Soon after moving from Paris to New York, he initially pursued a career on Wall Street. Growing up surrounded by the grandeur of his family's jewels, Prince Dimitri developed an early passion for fine jewelry. Eventually, he decided to move into the field of gemology and jewelry and was offered a position in Sotheby's jewelry department, eventually rising to senior vice president. During his sixteen years with Sotheby's, he also became an appraiser and studied gemology.
In 2002, he moved to the Phillips de Pury & Luxembourg auction house to head their jewelry department. Later, in 2007, he co-founded the Prince Dimitri Company, which opened their first salon in Manhattan.
Beyond his contributions to the arts, Prince Dimitri is deeply involved in philanthropic efforts.
In this exclusive interview, Prince Dimitri shares invaluable insights into his roles and responsibilities, reflecting on the enduring values of royalty and the impact of orders of chivalry in today's world. He also discusses his creative journey in the jewelry industry and his vision for the future of his work and legacy
The Investiture: What do you believe are the primary responsibilities of modern royalty to society?
Prince Dimitri: Modern royalty holds the important responsibility of being role models for society, exemplifying behaviors and values that others can aspire to. Beyond this, they should foster unity, act as patrons of culture and the arts, and support charitable endeavors. By embodying integrity, compassion, and service, they can inspire people to contribute positively to their communities.
The Investiture: How do you balance traditional duties with contemporary expectations of royalty?
Prince Dimitri: The essence of royal duty remains unchanged; it revolves around commitment and service. However, balancing traditional duties with contemporary expectations involves adapting to modern societal needs while maintaining historical values. This includes embracing technology and social media to stay connected with the public, promoting cultural heritage in innovative ways, and addressing current global issues such as environmental sustainability and social justice.
The Investiture: In what ways do you think orders of chivalry can make a positive impact on today’s world?
Prince Dimitri: Orders of chivalry are grounded in Christian values, particularly those of love and forgiveness as taught by Christ. In a world increasingly dominated by violence, selfishness, and the logic of hatred and revenge, these orders can provide a counterbalance. They can promote acts of kindness, foster community spirit, and support initiatives that help the less fortunate. Their long-standing traditions can serve as a moral compass, encouraging a culture of altruism and ethical behavior.
The Investiture: Can you share any recent initiatives or projects undertaken by an order of chivalry you are involved with?
Prince Dimitri: As the Delegate of The American Delegation of Savoy Orders, I am deeply involved in every facet of the order's activities. We actively engage in medical assistance, research, and supporting healthcare facilities. We also provide scholarships for deserving students, promote education, respond to emergencies during natural disasters, assist refugees, and preserve cultural heritage through support for arts, music, and cultural events. Recently, we have focused on developing new initiatives aimed at aiding those in adversity.
I am deeply passionate about two primary areas: helping impoverished individuals and promoting art and culture. At The American Delegation of Savoy Order, we not only collect funds to support the poor but also organize cultural conferences. I serve on the board of Casita Maria, the oldest charity in NYC, which aids underprivileged children aspiring to be artists by providing education and job opportunities, achieving a 100% reintegration rate into society. Additionally, I am involved with the Versailles Foundation, which restores historical monuments globally, preserving our shared cultural heritage.
The Investiture: How do you see the role of royalty in preserving and promoting cultural heritage?
Prince Dimitri: Historically, royalty has always played a crucial role in the patronage of the arts, acting as the engine of cultural development. Figures like the Medici family during the Italian Renaissance, Emperor Joseph II of Austria who supported Mozart, and Eleanor of Aquitaine in the development of medieval arts exemplify this. Today, royalty continues to support cultural preservation and promotion by backing artistic endeavors, restoring historical monuments, and fostering educational programs that highlight our rich heritage.
The Investiture: In what ways does your family engage with and support local communities?
Prince Dimitri: My family is actively involved in charitable work across various regions. We participate in numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those in our communities, from organizing fundraisers to directly contributing to local causes. Our involvement spans a wide range of activities, from supporting local schools and hospitals to engaging in environmental conservation efforts.
The Investiture: How did you develop your fine and royal jewelry expertise, and what aspects of this field do you find most fascinating?
Prince Dimitri: My expertise in fine and royal jewelry began with early exposure, which quickly ignited a lifelong passion. Over the years, I worked as a jewelry expert for Sotheby’s and Phillips, where I honed my skills for two decades. The most fascinating aspect of this field is discovering important pieces of jewelry that have been lost over time. Unearthing these treasures and bringing their history to light is incredibly rewarding, as many of these pieces now feature in renowned collections and publications.
The Investiture: What activities do you enjoy in your free time?
Prince Dimitri: I have a deep appreciation for activities that enrich my mind and body. Reading, visiting museums, engaging in sports, and traveling are some of my favorite pastimes. These activities not only provide relaxation but also inspire and educate me, allowing for a well-rounded and fulfilling life.
The Investiture: Are there any personal hobbies or passions that you are particularly dedicated to?
Prince Dimitri: I am particularly dedicated to meditation, cooking, and sports. Meditation helps me maintain mental clarity and inner peace, while cooking allows me to express creativity and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Engaging in sports keeps me physically active and healthy, which is essential for overall well-being.
The Investiture: How do you leverage your position to bring attention to important issues?
Prince Dimitri: The approach to leveraging my position varies depending on the issue at hand. Today, social media plays a significant role in raising awareness and mobilizing support. By using these platforms effectively, I can reach a broader audience and advocate for causes that need attention. Additionally, participating in public events, giving interviews, and collaborating with other influential figures and organizations help amplify these important messages.
The Investiture: How do you envision the role of royalty evolving in the next few decades?
Prince Dimitri: I envision royalty evolving by embracing positive aspects of ever-evolving change, known as progress and evolution, while steadfastly rejecting values rooted in hatred and greed. This evolution includes greater transparency, increased engagement with the public, and a more active role in addressing contemporary global challenges. By doing so, royalty can remain relevant and continue to serve as a guiding force for society.
The Investiture: What legacy do you hope to leave for future generations of your family and the wider society?
Prince Dimitri: I hope to be remembered as a good person, as someone who brought a touch of magic into people's lives, embodying the essence of kindness and inspiration. As the French poet Christian Bobin eloquently stated, "Intelligence is the solitary strength to extract from the chaos of one's own life the handful of light sufficient to shine a little further than oneself towards the other out there as we lost in the dark." I aspire to illustrate this sentiment, leaving a legacy of light, love, and positive influence for future generations.