Several needy families from Savarsin, Arad County were visited by Her Majesty Margareta, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown, who offered them Christmas gifts, thus continuing a tradition started in the 1940s, according to Agerpres.
The gifts, consisting of food and basic products, were offered by Her Majesty Margareta, who was accompanied by Princess Elena and the mayor of the locality, Ioan Vodicean.
The tradition of Christmas gifts offered by the Royal Family to those with special needs in Savarsin dates back to the 1940s, from the time of Queen Mother Elena. The tradition was continued by King Mihai and Queen Ana, between 2001 and 2014.
The locals were surprised that Her Majesty Margareta appeared at their gates.
„I woke up in the yard with wonderful people, I didn’t expect it. We are five people in the family, we are having a hard time, so help is welcome,” said a local woman.
Mrs. Elena, aged 65, says that in the past she was also visited by King Mihai.
„I have a monthly income of 265 RON (rd 54 euro, ed. n.), from social assistance. It is very difficult for us to live with this money, because my husband has no income and is sick. I still work during the day in the locality to earn something. In the old days, even King Mihai came here, we are proud that now Her Majesty Margareta is coming and offering us help,” said Mrs. Elena.
The Custodian of the Crown declared that, together with several local sponsors, she is working on a programme through which people in need will be helped in the long term.
„Every year we try to offer something, but this is a Christmas gesture, not a solution. We have partnerships with local producers, we will do something more extensive, we are trying to find medium and long-term solutions for these people,” declared Her Majesty Margareta.
The Royal Family spends the winter holidays at Savarsin Castle. On Tuesday, the first carolers of this year were received at the castle, coming from the counties of Arad and Bihor. Other carolers, from Cluj, will be present at the royal domain on Friday.
On Christmas Eve, according to a tradition, the Dubasii/Drummers of Savarsin will be waited to arrive in the square with the fountain in the Royal Village.
On December 25, the Royal Family will participate, at the Holy Trinity Archbishop’s Cathedral in Arad, in the Christmas Service, officiated by His Holiness Father Timotei, the Archbishop of Arad. On this occasion, His Eminence will confer on Her Majesty the Custodian of the Crown and His Royal Highness the Prince Consort the diocesan distinction of the Cross of the Holy Hierarch Sava Brancovici.
The Royal Family will spend the rest of Christmas and New Year privately at the Savarsin Castle.
Agerpres
