Princess Elisabeth, the 23-year-old heir to the Belgian throne, has recently finished her inaugural year at Harvard University. However, her continued academic pursuits could be jeopardized by a ban enacted by the US President Donald Trump’s administration targeting foreign students studying in the country. On Thursday, the Trump administration rescinded Harvard University’s authorization to admit international students, compelling existing foreign students to either transfer to alternative institutions or forfeit their legal status within the US. Furthermore, there are threats to broaden this crackdown to include other colleges.
Lore Vandoorne, the spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace, stated, “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. We are currently investigating the situation.” Xavier Baert, the Palace’s communication director, added, “We are analyzing this at the moment and will let things settle. A lot can still happen in the coming days and weeks.”
Elisabeth is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy at Harvard, a two-year program that, according to the university’s website, aims to expand students’ perspectives and hone their abilities for a “successful career in public service.” The princess is the eldest of the four children born to King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, making her the successor to the Belgian throne. Prior to her studies at Harvard, she obtained a degree in history and politics from Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
Harvard declared on Thursday that the Trump administration’s action, which affects thousands of students, was unlawful and constituted a retaliatory measure.
