Princess Elisabeth, Belgium’s heir apparent, has returned home after completing her first year at Harvard’s Kennedy School amid mounting uncertainty over international students’ futures due to a controversial U.S. policy change. The 23-year-old royal’s master’s journey in public policy faces an unclear path as President Donald Trump’s administration moves to restrict international student enrollments.
The young princess, who previously graduated from Oxford with a degree in history and politics, was eager to dive into her graduate studies. But the recent political shifts have cast a shadow over many international students like her, forcing a pause on academic plans and leading her back to Belgium for the summer.
From Cambridge to Brussels: A Summer of Royal Duties and Internships
Back on Belgian soil, Princess Elisabeth isn’t just taking it easy. Spotted alongside her mother, Queen Mathilde, at the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition in Brussels, she’s mixing royal duties with meaningful work.
Elisabeth has also jumped into an internship focused on international relations and human rights. This role, according to local media, will keep her busy throughout the summer, giving her hands-on experience in areas closely linked to her studies and future ambitions.
The internship is more than a summer job; it’s a bridge connecting her academic interests to real-world challenges. This blend of royal responsibility and professional growth paints a picture of a modern monarch in the making—someone who’s not just born into duty but actively preparing to serve.
The Wider Impact of the U.S. Ban on International Students
The uncertainty surrounding Elisabeth’s academic future reflects a broader issue affecting thousands of international students across the United States. The Trump administration’s new regulations seek to limit foreign students’ presence in American universities, citing national security and immigration concerns.
Harvard, a global hub for education, has been vocal in its opposition to these measures. Officials have warned about the consequences for academic diversity and research innovation if international students are sidelined.
Princess Elisabeth’s predicament is a human face on a large, complex policy debate. For her, the stakes are both personal and symbolic — an international student with royal ties caught in the middle of shifting political winds.
At just 23, Elisabeth’s educational ambitions have been impressive. From Oxford’s historic halls to Harvard’s cutting-edge policy programs, she’s setting herself up as a future leader well-versed in global affairs. However, this ban threatens to stall her momentum.
Will she find alternative pathways? Perhaps universities outside the U.S. or online programs? Or could diplomatic channels intervene, considering her status?
For now, the princess is making the most of her time in Belgium — balancing royal duties, hands-on work, and the uncertainty of what’s next. This summer is far from a vacation; it’s a critical chapter in a young royal’s story navigating a world full of unexpected turns.
