Serbia was formally recognized as an independent Principality in 1878. Four years later, in 1882, it was elevated to the Kingdom of Serbia, with the reigning Prince becoming King Milan I. His successor, King Alexander I of Serbia was assassinated in 1903, ending the rule of the Obrenović dynasty and ushering in the return of the Karađorđević family.

In 1918, Serbia became the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and in 1929, the name was officially changed to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. In 1945, the King was deposed and the monarchy abolished.

In 2006 the former People’s Republic of Yugoslavia (one of several names through the years) returned to its original name, officially becoming The Republic of Serbia.

Principality of Serbia

Obrenović dynasty
1817-1839 Miloš Obrenović I, Prince of Serbia – abdicated
1839-1839 Milan Obrenović II, Prince of Serbia
1839-1842 Mihailo Obrenović III, Prince of Serbia – deposed

Karađorđević dynasty
1842-1858 Aleksandar Karađorđević, Prince of Serbia – abdicated

Obrenović dynasty
1858-1860 Miloš Obrenović I, Prince of Serbia – returned to the throne
1860-1868 Mihailo Obrenović III, Prince of Serbia – returned to the throne, assassinated
1868-1882 Milan Obrenović IV, Prince of Serbia – became first King of Serbia

Kingdom of Serbia (1882-1918)
Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (1918-1929)
Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1929-1945)

Obrenović dynasty
1882-1889 King Milan I
1889-1903 King Alexander I (of Serbia) – assassinated

Karađorđević dynasty
1903-1921 King Peter I
1921-1934 King Alexander I (of Yugoslavia) – assassinated
1934-1945 King Peter II – deposed

Pretenders to the Throne
1945-1970 King Peter II
1970-present Crown Prince Alexander