Princess Eléonore of Belgium is heading to the Netherlands for university. The Belgian Royal Palace announced today that Princess Eléonore “will begin a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences at University College Utrecht (UCU), the honours college of Utrecht University, in September.”
The Palace added, “This three-year, multidisciplinary program, taught in English, allows students to create their own study program by choosing courses in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Upon completion, they will receive a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Utrecht University.”
The royal siblings on Belgium’s National Day on July 21, 2026.Patrick van Katwijk – Getty Images
Princess Eléonore, 18, is the youngest daughter of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. She is fourth in line to the Belgian throne behind her older siblings Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, and Prince Emmanuel.
She’s taking a different higher education path than her siblings. Princess Elisabeth received her bachelor of arts degree from Lincoln College at the University of Oxford in 2024, and recently graduated with her master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University. Prince Gabriel earned his bachelor’s degree from the Royal Military Academy in Brussels in 2025, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the same school. Prince Emmanuel, meanwhile, is enrolled at ISTEC Business School in Brussels, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Officer (Chargé d’Affaires Commerciales).
Princess Eléonore earlier this week.Andreas Rentz – Getty Images
Princess Eléonore previously attended the International School of Brussels and the Heilig-Harcollege. She appears to be the first known member of a reigning royal family to attend University College Utrecht.
“We are proud that Princess Eléonore has chosen to study at Utrecht University,” Hans Brug, President of the Executive Board, said in a statement. “At UU, we aim to train students to become experts in their field and teach our students how to use their knowledge for the benefit of society. In this context, there is a strong focus on collaboration across disciplinary boundaries and with key societal partners, such as public authorities, the business community and civil society organisations. I wish Princess Eléonore and all the other first-year students starting in September an inspiring time at university, during which they will fully experience this approach to learning.”
University College Utrecht noted she “went through the standard selection process” along other students.
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