In a low-key ceremony overshadowed neither by pomp nor publicity, Belgium’s heir to the throne, Princess Elisabeth, today joined fellow graduates at Harvard Kennedy School’s 2026 commencement – a quiet milestone that marks the end of her two-year master’s programme in public policy.
The Princess was present alongside her classmates at the graduation ceremony for the Harvard Kennedy School class of 2026. Tomorrow, she will formally complete her studies and receive her Master’s degree in Public Policy.
According to a Belgian media correspondent on the ground, Elisabeth made a conscious effort to lead an ordinary student life while at Harvard. She lived in student accommodation – more precisely, a flat she shared with others. Her daily routine consisted of rising early, grabbing a quick coffee, and heading straight to class.
On campus, the heir to the Belgian throne could move about with relative anonymity; she was rarely recognised. Still, as in Belgium, she was accompanied by security throughout her studies.
