Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, 23, may face academic disruption following the Trump administration’s move to block Harvard University from enrolling international students.
The royal, heir to the Belgian throne and Duchess of Brabant, is currently completing a master’s degree in public policy at the Ivy League institution.
“Princess Elisabeth has just completed her first year. The impact of (the Trump administration’s) decision will only become clearer in the coming days/weeks,” said Royal Palace spokesperson Lore Vandoorne.
Elisabeth previously studied history and politics at Oxford University and began her Harvard degree last year. The Belgian Royal Palace’s communication director, Xavier Baert, stated they will “let things settle” and acknowledged that “a lot can still happen in the coming days and weeks.”
The U.S. government’s restriction follows a dispute between Harvard and the Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. The task force had issued demands regarding staff and student policies, which Harvard declined. In response, the administration issued a ban affecting international student enrolment.
Harvard filed a lawsuit on Friday, claiming the move violates the First Amendment and would dramatically affect university operations, with international students comprising about 25% of its population.
Harvard President Alan M. Garber said the restrictions are “unlawful and unwarranted.” In a letter to the community, he added: “It imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars across Harvard and serves as a warning to countless others at colleges and universities throughout the country.”
As legal proceedings unfold, the future queen’s academic journey remains uncertain.
