Belgium’s future queen, Princess Elisabeth, will continue her studies at Harvard University this fall after weeks of uncertainty sparked by President Trump’s crackdown on international student enrollment.
The 23-year-old royal is pursuing a two-year master’s degree in public policy at the Ivy League school, a program designed to prepare students for careers in public service.
Elisabeth completed her first year in May, but her academic future was briefly in jeopardy after Trump slashed billions in federal funding and sought to limit foreign student admissions.
After a Massachusetts judge blocked federal plans to alter the student visa program for prestigious U.S. universities, a Belgian journalist close to the royal family confirmed Princess Elisabeth’s plans to return to Harvard.
“There are no concrete reasons why she wouldn’t be able to go back to Harvard in September,” royal commentator Wim Dehandschutter told Hello! magazine on Tuesday.
The reporter revealed that, according to the Belgian palace, Princess Elisabeth remained optimistic about her future at the prestigious school. However, she was prepared to continue her studies online if the ban had been upheld.
Dehandschutter added that palace officials were navigating a delicate diplomatic challenge in crafting their response to President Trump’s directive.
“I think the royal palace is keeping its communication understated because they don’t want to stir up controversy,” Dehandschutter told the outlet.
“I suspect they’re also being careful not to create tensions with the U.S. After all, the ban on foreign studies was a decision made by President Trump, a head of state like King Philippe — essentially a colleague on the world stage.”
Still, Dehandschutter said the palace is “happy that a solution has been found.”
“They were in a difficult position,” he explained. “Even if Trump had made an exception for Elisabeth because she’s the daughter of a reigning king and a future queen, it would have sent a problematic message. The royal family could have faced significant criticism for appearing to condone discrimination against other students.”
Princess Elisabeth of Belgium Cleared to Resume Harvard Studies Amid U.S. Visa Crackdown
Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, heir to the Belgian throne, will be allowed to continue her studies at Harvard University this fall. The 23-year-old royal is enrolled in a two-year master’s program in public policy at the Ivy League institution, which aims to prepare students for careers in public service. She completed her first year in May 2025
Elisabeth, also known as the Duchess of Brabant in Belgium, was among the thousands of international students at Harvard closely awaiting the outcome of the dispute.
At the time, the Belgian Royal Palace addressed the uncertainty, saying it was too early to predict the results.
“Princess Elisabeth has just completed her first year. The impact of [the Trump administration’s] decision will only become clearer in the coming days and weeks,” said Lore Vandoorne, spokesperson for the Belgian Royal House. “We are currently investigating the situation.”
“We are analyzing this at the moment and will let things settle. Much can still happen in the coming days and weeks,” added Xavier Baert, the palace’s communication director.
