Princess Elisabeth of Belgium has successfully completed her master’s degree in public policy at Harvard University, marking a significant achievement in her academic journey. The 24-year-old, who is the eldest child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, graduated after undertaking a rigorous two-year programme at the renowned Harvard Kennedy School. This follows her earlier accomplishment of obtaining a degree in history and politics from Oxford University.
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To honour their daughter’s graduation, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde made the trip to Boston, where the commencement ceremonies were held. The celebrations kicked off on May 27, 2026, and included the Class of 2026 Awards Ceremony, during which Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor-in-chief of The Economist, delivered a keynote address to the graduating class. The formal diploma conferral is scheduled for May 28.
Attending the festivities, Princess Elisabeth donned her traditional cap and gown as she posed for photographs alongside her proud parents. During one notable moment, King Philippe captured a picture of Queen Mathilde and their daughter, reflecting a shared family pride in Elisabeth’s accomplishments.
As Princess Elisabeth, also known as the Duchess of Brabant, takes this next step in her life, she is expected to embark on a gap year. Reports indicate that she plans to undertake a sailing adventure across the Atlantic Ocean. This time of exploration and personal growth comes before she expands her role in the Belgian monarchy as the heir apparent.
Her academic journey to Harvard began in 2024, yet it faced uncertainty due to a travel ban imposed by then-President Donald Trump, which affected foreign nationals’ ability to enter the U.S. to study. In light of this, Princess Elisabeth opted to forgo any special treatment related to her royal status, standing firm on the principle of equal opportunity amongst her peers. Fortunately, a federal judge later blocked the travel ban, allowing her to continue her studies without further disruption.
Transitioning to a role as Belgium’s future queen, Princess Elisabeth is poised to become the country’s first queen regnant, should she succeed her father. This potential history-making moment is significant in Belgium’s royal lineage, as it has not yet witnessed a woman ascend to the throne in her own right.
The topic of abdication among reigning monarchs varies across European royal families. In Belgium, King Philippe ascended to the throne in 2013 at the age of 53 after his father, King Albert II, abdicated due to health issues. Similarly, King Leopold III chose to abdicate in 1951 to navigate a political crisis effectively.
When questioned about the possibility of abdicating in favour of his daughter in the future, King Philippe expressed his commitment to supporting Princess Elisabeth’s personal growth and development. He stated, “A King steps back, but is not retired. I will continue to work for Belgium, and I must give my daughter time to enjoy her youth.” His dedication highlights a thoughtful approach to the transition of royal duties.
As Princess Elisabeth embarks on this new chapter, both her academic success and her plans for future exploration resonate with a growing desire among younger royals to blend tradition with modern experiences. The Belgian monarchy, under her potential reign, seems ready to embrace new perspectives while retaining its rich heritage.