The Gist
Princess Elisabeth of Belgium will graduate from Harvard University next month.
She’s completed her studies as part of her master’s program in public policy.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde are expected to attend her commencement ceremony.
Princess Elisabeth of Belgium has officially completed her studies at Harvard University. The daughter of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, who is also the heir apparent to the Belgian throne, got her master’s degree in public policy from the acclaimed Harvard Kennedy School.
Belgian royal journalist Wim Dehandschutter shared the news via X on April 23, confirming that Elisabeth, as well as the king and queen, will attend her graduation scheduled for May 27 and May 28.
Princess Elisabeth on January 15, 2026.
Credit: Getty Images
Before entering the two-year program at Harvard, Elisabeth got her bachelor’s degree in history and politics at Oxford University.
24-year-old Elisabeth is also known as the Duchess of Brabant. She’s expected to become Belgium’s first queen regnant, as she is the eldest of her four siblings. The king and queen also share 22-year-old Prince Gabriel, 20-year-old Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eléonore, 18.
Philippe’s father, King Albert II, abdicated the throne in 2013, citing health concerns.
Princess Eleonore, Prince Gabriel, Queen Mathilde, King Philippe, Princess Elisabeth, Prince Emmanuel of Belgium in 2025.
Credit: Getty Images
“I realize that my age and my health are no longer allowing me to carry out my duties as I would like to,” he said at the time, per DW. “After a reign of 20 years I believe the moment is here to hand over the torch to the next generation. Prince Philippe is well prepared to succeed me.”
Albert’s predecessor, King Leopold III, also abdicated in 1951, though this was due to political pressure.
In 2025, Philippe implied that he wasn’t ready to let go of the throne quite yet.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde on March 26, 2026.
Credit: Getty Images
“A King steps back, but is not retired,” he said, according to Hola!
“I will continue to work for Belgium, and I must give my daughter time to enjoy her youth, develop herself and see the world. I support her 100% in that, and I will do everything I can to give her all the time she needs to do,” he continued.
Read the original article on InStyle