Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, the heir presumptive to the Belgian throne, has successfully completed her master’s degree in public policy at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School. The 24-year-old royal is set to graduate with the class of 2026, marking a significant academic achievement in her educational journey.
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As she prepares for her upcoming graduation, Princess Elisabeth has shared glimpses into her life at Harvard through a series of photographs. These images capture moments of her studying in the Kennedy School library, where the Belgian flag proudly flies in the background, symbolising her royal heritage. Other snapshots show her enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Cambridge, including a moment outside the Harvard Bookstore with a coffee in hand.
Princess Elisabeth is not only the Duchess of Brabant but also one of the notable royal figures associated with the Harvard Kennedy School, which is renowned for its distinguished alumni that include numerous heads of state and influential leaders. Her choice to attend Harvard follows a familial tradition; her father, King Philippe, graduated from Stanford University with a master’s in political science in 1985.
To celebrate their daughter’s achievements, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde travelled to Boston. Prior to the Class of 2026 Awards Ceremony, the royal couple met with Harvard Kennedy School’s dean, Jeremy M. Weinstein. A video shared by Belgian journalist Wim Dehandschutter captures the warm exchange, with Dean Weinstein congratulating the princess as her parents beamed with pride.
On May 27, 2026, Princess Elisabeth participated in the Class Day ceremony, an intimate affair marking the culmination of her studies alongside fellow graduates. This event is set to be followed by the more extensive commencement ceremony scheduled for May 28, where she will formally receive her degree.
In discussions surrounding her future plans post-graduation, reports from Belgian media suggest that Princess Elisabeth intends to take a gap year. According to Het Nieuwsblad, she is expected to embark on a sailing expedition across the Atlantic, a venture that reflects both her adventurous spirit and desire for personal growth.
As the eldest child in her family, Princess Elisabeth has three siblings: Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eléonore. Should she succeed her father as anticipated, she will make history as Belgium’s first queen regnant, setting a remarkable precedent as the first woman to reign over the country.
Elisabeth’s educational journey was not without challenges. Although she gained admission to Harvard in 2024, her plans were nearly disrupted by political events affecting visa regulations for foreign students. The restrictions imposed following President Donald Trump’s second inauguration threatened her ability to continue her studies in the United States. Nevertheless, she chose to forgo any special considerations due to her royal status, opting instead to navigate the same obstacles faced by her fellow students.
Ultimately, a federal judge’s ruling lifted the ban, allowing Princess Elisabeth to return to Harvard and complete her academic programme. Her determination to pursue her education reflects both personal ambition and a commitment to fulfilling her future royal responsibilities.
As she stands on the brink of graduation, Princess Elisabeth of Belgium prepares to step into a new phase of life, armed with the knowledge and experiences gathered at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Her upcoming adventures, both academically and personally, are sure to be watched closely by those in Belgium and the international community alike.