Princess Elisabeth of Belgium has had an uncertain summer. The future Queen of Belgium is enrolled in Harvard University, where she’s studying her Master’s Degree in public policy. In May of this year, President Donald Trump announced the termination of student visas, a category that granted her permission to study in the country, leaving the future of her studies in question.
© Getty ImagesPrincess Elisabeth didn’t know if she’d be able to return to Harvard University
According to a spokesperson from the Belgian Royal House, Elisabeth’s visa has been renewed alongside other students from the country. She’ll be returning to Harvard soon to conclude her studies. “She’s happy that she can continue her master’s and that she can go back to campus,” said the spokesperson.
Elisabeth, 23, will be continuing the second year of her program, with classes kicking off in early September.
© Getty ImagesFortunately, the Princess’ student visa was renewed
Following the administration’s cancellation of student visas, it was unknown if Elisabeth would be affected by the ruling, with the Belgian Royal Palace sharing a statement claiming that they would be waiting before making any decisions that could impact the Princess’ future. Harvard University sued the Trump administration, winning a temporary restraining order that allowed international students to return and enroll in the school.
While there was a lot of back and forth in courts, it appears that Elisabeth is protected for another year, getting her one step closer to her goal of acquiring her Master’s Degree, which will be completed next June if everything goes according to plan.
© Getty ImagesHarvard University has been involved in a legal back and forth with the Trump administration over the past year
What did the Princess do this summer?
Despite the uncertainty that surrounded the future of Princess Elisabeth’s studies, she kept busy, completing a seven-week internship at Bruegel, an independent research center in Brussels.
The news was shared by the Belgian Royal Palace’s Instagram account, sharing some photos of Elisabeth sitting behind some monitors, chatting with coworkers, and learning helpful skills for her future as one of the country’s monarchs.
“Last day of internship for Princess Elisabeth!” reads the post’s caption. “For 7 weeks she was part of the team of Bruegel, an independent research center in Brussels, specialized in research of (European) economic policy. This voluntary internship framed her master’s degree in public management and policy at Harvard University.”
© BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty ImagesPrincess Elisabeth is the future Queen of Belgium