Who is Princess Elisabeth? Belgian royal in spotlight amid Harvard foreign student controversy

Princess Elisabeth, the future Queen of Belgium, has her academic future at stake following the recent decision by the US President Donald Trump's administration to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students.The 23-year-old heir to the Belgian throne recently completed her first year of a Masters in Public Policy at Harvard. The new US policy could now jeopardize her ability to continue her studies.The princess had just completed her first year at Harvard studying a Masters in Public Policy. The recent decision can jeopardize her future studies.Belgium's Royal Palace said on Friday that it was monitoring the situation and is waiting to find out whether she can return to Harvard for her second year.“We are looking into the situation, to see what kind of impact this decision might have on the princess, or not. It’s too early to say right now,” said the palace’s communications head, Xavier Baert.The princess would spend her summer vacations back in Belgium. Looking at the uncertainty of the situation, Baert added, “And we’ll have to see what happens next year.”The palace earlier announced that the princess passed the entrance exams to Harvard and was selected for a Fullbright award.

The decision to revoke the admission of international students came amid an ongoing dispute between the US administration and university. The announcement added that thousands may have to transfer to other schools or leave the country.

Who is Princess Elisabeth?

Princess Elisabeth is the eldest of four children of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. She was born in Brussels and received her early education in the Netherlands. In July 2024, she enrolled at Harvard University.

Prior to this, she obtained a degree in history and politics from Lincoln College at the Oxford University in the United Kingdom.She is expected to become the first queen of Belgium, following the repeal of a 1991 law that had excluded women from becoming the monarch. Since 21 July 2013, she has held the title of Duchess of Brabant, a title which is traditionally reserved for the presumptive heir / heiress. She is multilingual and fluent in Dutch, French, German, and English.The princess is among thousands of students whose academic future is now uncertain due to the ongoing dispute between Harvard University and the Trump administration. On Thursday, Harvard described the government’s move as illegal, claiming it to be an act of retaliation.