14/09/2026
With profound honour and respect, we express our sadness at the passing of Lady Jadranka Njerš Beresford-Peirse.
Only two years ago, Lady Beresford-Peirse, a citizen of both Croatia and the UK, was awarded the title of MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by His Majesty King Charles III. This prestigious recognition celebrated more than 30 years of her dedication to fostering relations between the UK and Croatia, philanthropy, and the preservation of Croatia’s cultural heritage.
Lady Beresford-Peirse was born in Croatia but spent much of her life in London. Together with her husband, Sir Henry Grant de la Poer Beresford-Peirse, she founded the International Trust for Croatian Monuments in 1991 in response to the extensive war damage suffered by Croatian landmarks. Over the years, the Trust raised funds and organised expert exchanges to support the restoration and protection of Croatian historical monuments and cultural heritage threatened by war, natural disasters, neglect, or a lack of funding. This work contributed significantly to the preservation of Croatian landmarks and to strengthening relations between the UK and Croatia.
The International Trust for Croatian Monuments earned widespread respect in the UK, with its projects receiving support from charitable organisations such as The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation. During his visit to Osijek in 2016, King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, met stained-glass restoration experts and witnessed first-hand the immense impact of Lady Beresford-Peirse’s work.
The British Ambassador to Croatia, Javed Patel, was honoured to have had the opportunity to meet Lady Beresford-Peirse at the King’s Birthday Party in Zagreb in June. She will be greatly missed, and we extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends in both the UK and Croatia.
Rest in peace, Lady Beresford-Peirse, and thank you for your dedication and passion.
📷 Lady Jadranka Njerš Beresford-Peirse at the King’s Birthday Party in Zagreb, June 2026
