Princess Elisabeth of Belgium made a stylish statement at her country’s National Day celebrations, donning a stunning Victoria Beckham dress—just weeks after Kate Middleton championed the same designer. The future queen’s fashion choice wasn’t the only headline, as her academic future at Harvard University hangs in the balance due to visa restrictions.
A Royal Fashion Moment
The 21 July celebrations in Brussels saw the 23-year-old princess shine in a one-shoulder floral Victoria Beckham gown, featuring an asymmetrical skirt with a satin underlayer. She joined her parents, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, along with siblings Princess Eleonore, Prince Gabriel, and Prince Emmanuel, for the event at Parc du Cinquantenaire.
Her fashion nod mirrors Kate Middleton’s recent appearance in a £1,340 olive-green Victoria Beckham trouser suit at the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design ceremony in May. According to Kensington Palace sources, the Princess of Wales deliberately chose the ensemble to support British designers. “It would have brought a smile to Victoria’s face,” an insider revealed.
Harvard Visa Crisis Looms
While Elisabeth dazzled on the royal stage, her academic journey faces uncertainty. The Crown Princess is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public policy at Harvard but may be unable to return due to President Trump’s ban on international students.
The controversial policy, introduced in May 2024, blocked foreign students from attending U.S. universities on visas. Though Harvard’s lawsuit temporarily halted the ban, a federal judge in Boston will decide its fate on 21 July—coinciding with Belgium’s National Day.
Royal journalist Wim Dehandschutter reported that Elisabeth is standing in solidarity with affected students. “She refuses to use her royal status for special treatment,” he noted. The princess has just completed her first year and is currently interning in Belgium while fulfilling royal duties.
Contingency Plans in Motion
Should the ban proceed, Harvard is reportedly arranging online classes for international students. Elisabeth hopes to return to the U.S. but remains open to alternatives. Her resilience mirrors her mother’s pragmatic approach—Queen Mathilde once balanced royal duties with a psychology career.