Princess Elisabeth of Belgium made her first public appearance this week as questions continue to swirl around her future at Harvard University.
The 23-year-old royal accompanied her mother, Queen Mathilde, to the final of the 21st Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition in Brussels on Tuesday evening.
The Queen looked regal in a rose-pink caped jumpsuit by Elie Saab, while Princess Elisabeth turned heads in a sleek black dress adorned with silver star embellishments by Australian designer Rebecca Vallance.
Elisabeth recently completed the first year of her two-year master’s degree in public policy at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. However, her ability to return for the final year of the program has been cast into doubt due to a controversial U.S. immigration policy.
Harvard Visa Controversy and Legal Battle
The issue stems from a policy under the Trump administration that threatens to revoke U.S. visas for international students if their institutions are deemed non-compliant. Harvard, along with other universities, has pushed back with legal action, and the rule has currently been blocked while the matter is reviewed in federal court.
A decision from a judge in Boston will ultimately determine whether the policy remains in place — and whether international students like Princess Elisabeth can continue their studies in the U.S.
Speaking last week, the Belgian royal household’s communications chief, Xavier Baert, acknowledged the uncertainty: “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. We’ll have to see what happens next school year.”
Princess Elisabeth’s Academic Journey
Elisabeth’s academic path reflects her commitment to public service and leadership. She began her schooling at St. John Berchmans College in Brussels, graduating in 2018 before moving to Wales to complete a two-year International Baccalaureate at UWC Atlantic College.
She then undertook military training in Belgium before enrolling at Oxford University’s Lincoln College, where she earned a 2:1 degree in history and politics in 2024. While at Oxford, she was actively involved in student life — including rowing with the Lincoln College Boat Club.
Just before her graduation, the Belgian Royal Court confirmed that the Princess had been accepted into Harvard’s prestigious graduate program.
As she navigates this period of uncertainty, Elisabeth continues to embody the grace and resilience expected of Belgium’s future queen — balancing royal duties at home with academic aspirations abroad.
