Milan Obrenović II | |
Reign: | 13 June 1839 – 8 July 1839 |
Predecessor: | Miloš Obrenović I |
Successor: | Mihailo Obrenović III |
Succession: | Prince of Serbia |
House: | House of Obrenović |
Father: | Miloš Obrenović |
Mother: | Ljubica Vukomanović |
Birth Date: | 21 October 1819 |
Birth Place: | Kragujevac, Serbia |
Death Place: | Belgrade, Serbia |
Place Of Burial: | St. Mark's Church, Belgrade |
Signature: | Milan obrenovic signature.jpg |
Religion: | Serbian Orthodox |
Milan Obrenović II (Serbian: Милан Обреновић II|Milan Obrenović II) (21 October 1819 - 8 July 1839) was the ruling Prince of Serbia for just four weeks in 1839.[1]
Milan Obrenović was the eldest son and heir of Miloš Obrenović I, Prince of Serbia and his wife, Princess Ljubica. He was ill from his earliest childhood and his health was poor throughout his entire life from tuberculosis. He was a student of the Belgrade Higher School, modern-day University of Belgrade. He had a full curriculum of study, including French and German languages. In 1830, when Serbia obtained its autonomy, Milan Obrenović became the designated heir of his father.[2]
His father Miloš Obrenović I abdicated on 13 June 1839 in favour of Milan. However, by then, Milan was already gravely ill with tuberculosis.[3] After his father's resignation, all the officials present went to congratulate him on becoming a Prince. It was published in the official newspaper of the Principality of Serbia. After that, Milan was visited by officers led by Ilija Garašanin. Garašanin introduced the officers to the new prince with the words: "My lord, the officers have come to bow to you, and to declare their loyalty and devotion to Your Highness." From his bed, Milan replied: "I thank the gentlemen officers for their loyalty, and I, for my part, assure the officers that I will make sure, in agreement with the Soviet, that the condition of the officers will improve. If God allows me to recover soon, I will invite you, gentlemen, to Topčider for lunch."[4]
He died on 8 July 1839, having never regained consciousness. After his death, his younger brother Mihailo Obrenović succeeded to the throne. Later that year, the "first regency" was formed in Serbia. Since Prince Milan "ruled" for only 26 days, no public documents were issued under his name.
Milan II was buried in the church of Palilula, and later his grave was moved to St. Mark's Church, Belgrade.[5]