Princess Elisabeth of Belgium celebrates a significant achievement as she graduates from Harvard University, and shared insights about her unique experience as a royal student in a recent interview. The 24-year-old, who is the heir to the Belgian throne, completed a two-year master’s degree in public policy at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, marking a milestone in her academic and personal journey.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/princess-elisabeth-harvard-graduation-cambridge-052926-acb7dcf49ddf4a51a8ff3a3bc25e914d.jpg)
The graduation ceremony took place on May 28, 2026, during which Elisabeth refrained from using her royal title. Instead, she was called “Elisabeth de Saxe-Cobourg,” drawing from her family’s French name, allowing her to blend in seamlessly with her peers. This choice mirrors the approach taken by other royal families, such as the British royals, who utilise titles derived from their parent’s titles in informal settings. For instance, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are known as George Wales, Charlotte Wales, and Louis Wales at school.
Elisabeth’s decision to forgo her royal title during her studies has resonated with those who appreciate the importance of anonymity in academia. In an interview with journalist Wim Dehandschutter for the Dutch-language newspaper HNL, the princess reflected on her time in Boston, stating, “I enjoyed not always being recognised on the street. It brought more spontaneity into my life.” This experience allowed her to embrace her identity simply as “Elisabeth,” something she felt would have differed had she studied in Belgium.
Her graduation journey included attending the Class of 2026 Awards Ceremony where she listened to a keynote address delivered by Zanny Minton Beddoes, the editor-in-chief of The Economist. Accompanied by her proud parents, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Elisabeth donned a traditional cap and gown, accessorised with a Belgian flag as a symbol of her heritage.
Following her intense academic experience, Princess Elisabeth has now indicated a desire to take time for personal development before fully stepping into her royal responsibilities. She expressed contentment with the knowledge of her future path, stating, “I’m actually happy knowing what I’ll be doing for the rest of my life.” This conviction provides her with a sense of purpose that contrasts with the uncertainty many people face about their futures.
As the first female monarch of Belgium, Elisabeth acknowledges the historic significance of her forthcoming reign. A legislative change in succession laws introduced absolute primogeniture ten years before her birth means that her two younger brothers do not affect her position in the line of succession. The princess pointed out, “It is indeed a first, making it historic. It does mean I don’t have an example of a Belgian reigning queen to look up to. A challenge, but my gender isn’t the only thing that defines me.”
With a clear vision for her future and a remarkable academic background, Princess Elisabeth is poised to take on her royal duties. Her experiences at Harvard have not only contributed to her personal growth but have also shaped her perspective on her role in Belgium’s monarchy. As she transitions from student life to royal responsibilities, her journey reflects a blend of traditional values and modern aspirations.
In sharing her experiences and personal reflections, Elisabeth emerges as a relatable figure, connecting with young people who may also feel the pressures of societal expectations. Her candid thoughts on identity, royal duty, and the balance of anonymity and recognition shed light on the challenges faced by those in the public eye.
As Princess Elisabeth steps into a future that intertwines her academic achievements with her royal destiny, the world watches with anticipation. Her journey as Belgium’s first female monarch promises to be both historic and transformative, paving the way for an evolving monarchy that resonates with the values of contemporary society.