Crown Princess of Belgium will make history with unprecedented step
The Crown Princess of Belgium is set to make history with a totally unprecedented step.
Princess Elisabeth has graduated from Harvard University just months before becoming the future face of a historic royal first.
The 24-year-old heir to the Belgian throne, who completed a master’s degree in public policy at Harvard Kennedy School, is set to become Belgium’s first-ever queen regnant when she eventually succeeds her father, King Philippe.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde travelled to Boston for her graduation ceremonies.
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Speaking to Belgian journalists after finishing her studies, Elisabeth reflected on what it means to belong to a new generation of female heirs reshaping Europe’s monarchies. Alongside Princess Amalia of the Netherlands and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, she is part of a small group of women preparing to inherit their countries’ thrones.
"We know each other and have coincided at different events," she said of the fellow future queens.
Elisabeth acknowledged that there are fewer role models for women in her position, given how recent this shift is in European royal history.
Still, she made clear she does not want her future title to define her entirely. With King Philippe showing no signs of stepping aside anytime soon, she is not rushing towards the crown. "Everything in its time," she said.
For now, the princess is returning home after two years in the US, where she embraced student life far from the palace walls. Living in Boston, Elisabeth shared a flat with friends and enjoyed a degree of normality, despite carrying one of Europe’s most high-profile futures on her shoulders.
She recalled occasionally being asked questions that were 'a little crazy', balancing life as both a student and a future monarch. Elisabeth also said living near what she described as 'the centre of global power' gave her a fresh perspective on Europe.
Her time in America included memorable moments away from royal duty, from hosting her younger sister Princess Eléonore, who recently turned 18, to running the New York City Marathon with friends, an experience she described as 'typically American'.
After previously studying history and politics at Oxford University, Elisabeth says she has no immediate plans to take on new royal responsibilities. Instead, she intends to spend time with her family in Belgium before deciding what comes next.
One lesson from her years abroad has stayed with her above all: "Be humble and work hard."
Elisabeth, also known as the Duchess of Brabant, is the eldest of her parents' four children.
Topics: Europe, Royal Family, World News
Rhiannon Ingle