Belgium’s future queen Princess Elisabeth earns Harvard Degree
Princess Elizabeth Of Belgium has officially graduated from the Harvard Kennedy School, completing her master’s degree in public policy. Princess also known as as the Duchess of Brabant,Is the eldest of her parents. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde have four children among which 24 year-old Elizabeth is the eldest. Both of her parents have travelled to Boston to attend their daughter’s graduation ceremonies.The day was celebrated with an award felicitation for the class of 2026 which continued in memorable fashion on Wednesday, May 27. Families of the students, faculty and students themselves were present to witness the achievements of the graduating class ahead of the official diploma ceremony.After some time of the commencement, the graduates attended a special session addressed by Zanny Minton Beddoes, editor-in-chief of The Economist. While speaking to the class he reflected upon the significance of the challenges and opportunities facing young leaders in a rapidly changing world.Among the attendees of the programme, Elizabeth along with her family was alluring attention, who participated proudly. The Belgian royal was photographed wearing her traditional cap and gown as she posed for commemorative pictures with her parents, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.Before her graduation it was reported by Het Nieuwsbald that the princess was planning to take a gap year following her starting at the Harvards. She is also expected to take a sailing trip across the Atlantic Ocean.Princess Elizabeth started her Masters at Harvard in 2024 stepping into a multi-year academic journey in one of the world’s most prestigious institutes. But her return was uncertain last year due to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration and his decision in banning the restriction of foreign nationals from entering the United States on student visas raised concerns for thousands of international students, including those enrolled at Harvard.Wim Dehandschutter, a Belgian Royal journalist, reported the princess had declined any special facilities or benefits offered to her for her royal status. She did not want any differentiation taking place between her classmates.Princess Elizabeth is on her way to become Belgium’s first-ever queen in the pages of history, if she succeeds her father, King Phillip, to the throne. The 24 year old Princess will be making a significant milestone as the first woman to reign as monarch in the country’s history.Although the story of voluntary abdication is different across Europe and it has many perceptions, Belgium has seen a notable tradition of monarchs stepping down. As in, King Phillip became the king in 2013 when he was 53, after his father, King Albert II, abdicated at 79, citing health concerns.There were speculations regarding Philippe’s abdication in favour of his daughter last year. Addressing all theses, King mentioned that Elizabeth now should focus on her own growth and gaining experience before taking on the responsibilities of the crown.
