A European prince who moved to NYC says it's the best place for royals because 'nobody cares' and the US is 'more free'

• Prince Dimitri of former Yugoslavia has lived in New York City since 1984.
• The prince told Insider that he prefers the US to Europe because it's a "free society."

New York City has become a hotspot for royals in recent months.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle embarked on a tour of the city in September, taking part in charity events and dining at Harlem's popular chicken restaurant, Melba's. Then in November, Japan's former Princess Mako moved to NYC with her husband, Kei Komuro, after leaving royal duties behind.

One royal who knows the allure of NYC is Prince Dimitri of former Yugoslavia. Dimitri, who has lived in the city since 1984 and has a self-named jewelry brand based there, told Insider that it's the best place to live because it allows for anonymity.

"In New York, nobody cares as long as you are nice and fun and intelligent and mind your own business. Anything goes, it's very relaxed," Dimitri told Insider.

The prince grew up in Paris, but said he prefers the US to Europe.

"America is a much more free society. Although it's changing a lot lately, in Europe everything is so complicated. It's an older world there, so everything is more complicated," he said.

Prince Dimitri says a royal title is his 'birthright' even though the monarchy no longer exists

Yugolsavia's monarchy ceased to exist after the royal household went into exile during World War II, when the country was invaded by Axis powers in 1941, according to Britannica. In 2003, Yugoslavia was reconstituted and renamed the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. Serbia and Montenegro dissolved in 2006 after Montenegro declared its independence.

While Yugoslavia and its monarchy no longer exist, descendants of the royal family are entitled to keep their titles, according to Dimitri.

"A royal title is a birthright, so it follows you for your entire life," Dimitri said. "And sometimes, it's good to use it. I use it for my company, which is called 'Prince Dimitri.' It makes it easier for marketing. Certainly a few steps saved in having to work harder, let's be honest."

Dimitri said he started designing jewelry in 1998 and went on to create his own company, which sells diamond rings, earrings, and gold bracelets worth up to around $16,000. His book, "Once Upon a Diamond," was published in 2020.

In his spare time, Dimitri said he works with a number of US-based charities, including The American Foundation of the Savoy Orders, which provides humanitarian, medical, and educational grants, and Casita Maria, which encourages young people to become leaders through the arts.

And while the prince uses his title to promote his work, he said he doesn't use it in his regular life or when making restaurant reservations.

"If you use it correctly and in a nice way and you behave like a role model, there's nothing wrong with it," he said.