Was it destiny or chance that brought Slobodan Yovanovitch to London? Here at 39b Queen’s Gate Gardens, Kensington stands a memorial to an extraordinary man. This plaque honors Professor Slobodan Yovanovitch. He was a Serbian historian, literary critic, legal scholar, and Prime Minister of Yugoslavia.
Slobodan Jovanovitch was born in 1869 in Novi Sad, then part of Austria-Hungary. His parents named him Slobodan, meaning freedom. His sister’s name was Pravda, meaning justice. He received a fine education in Belgrade, Munich, Zurich, and Geneva. He earned a law degree and studied constitutional law in Paris.
In 1893, he joined the Serbian mission to Constantinople as a political attaché. During this time, he began writing literary criticism. Later, he chose academia. In 1897, he became a professor at the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Law. For over four decades, Jovanovitch taught law. He became known for his knowledge of constitutional law and Serbian language. He was Rector of the University of Belgrade twice. Jovanovitch joined the Serbian Royal Academy in 1908. He served as its President from 1928 to 1931.
Jovanovitch entered politics in 1939. He became president of the Serbian Cultural Club. He was a pro-Western politician. In March 1941, a pro-British government was installed. General Dušan Simović headed it. Jovanovitch became Deputy Prime Minister.
In April 1941, the Third Reich attacked Yugoslavia. Jovanovitch moved with King Peter II to Jerusalem. In July, he reached London. He became Prime Minister of the Yugoslav government-in-exile in 1942. He remained Prime Minister until 1943.
After World War II, Yugoslavia became a communist state. Josip Broz Tito led it. Jovanovitch was tried in absentia. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison and loss of rights. His property was confiscated. He remained in London for the rest of his life.
From 1945 to 1958, Jovanovitch lived in London. He died in 1958 at his home. That home was at 39b Queen’s Gate Gardens.
In 1989, Jovanovitch was unofficially rehabilitated. In 1991, his collected works were published. He is now considered a very influential political thinker. The journal Politika called him “the highest peak of our culture.”
You can find his memorial plaque here. It marks where he lived during his London exile. It serves as a reminder of his contributions. Slobodan Jovanovitch’s story is one of intellect, leadership, and exile. His legacy remains a testament to his enduring impact. He stands as a symbol of Serbian culture.