Brussels Internship for Elisabeth

30 May 2025

After having completed the first year of her Master in Public Policy at Havard, Crown Princess Elisabeth (23) is now starting a 7-week internship at an international institution in Brussels. 

Court hasn't officially communicated this new yet, but royal reporter Wim Dehandschutter was allowed to brief the news. 

More than likely Elisabeth will be learning the ropes at the EU or NATO. 

What a busy bee she is! Let's not forget that previous summer holidays were (partially) spent at military camp, after having completed another year in academia.

Expo "Khorós"

27 May 2025

Queen Mathilde visited the exhibition "Khorós" at Bozar in Brussels. 

The exhibition shows a retrospective of Berlinde De Bruyckere's work of the past 25 years, combined with works from other artists who have inspired her. It was Berlinde De Bruyckere herself who guided the Queen through the expo.

20 km de Bruxelles 2025

25 May 2025

Queen Mathilde was among the 45,000 participants at the 20 kilometers of Brussels.

She walked the race alongside a few of her friends. "Mathilde de Belgique" finished in 02:57:13.

COMING UP State Visit #17: Chile

From 23 June to 26 June 2025, King Philippe & Queen Mathilde will be paying a state visit to Chile.

Mathilde's last visit to the country dates back to a 2002 trade visit.

Will Elisabeth continue at Harvard?

23 May 2025

Yesterday US President Donald Trump revoked Harvard's permission to allow international students to attend classes at the university. Harvard refused to provide full information about the possible involvement of their students in protests against the war in Gaza. As a result, foreign students are temporarily not allowed to enroll and 6,800 students are at risk of losing their residence in the US.

Crown Princess Elisabeth (23) has just completed her first-year exams at the prestigious university. Since last September, she has been following a 2-year Master in Public Policy at the Kennedy School campus, which is intended to "improve government policy and leadership so that people can live in safer, freer, more just and more prosperous societies," as the School's website states.

The royal family is analyzing Trump's decision, according to spokesperson Lore Vandoorn. 

Elisabeth will return to Belgium this summer, the palace announced. As expected, she will attend the 21 July celebrations.

Interesting radio interview with Alain-Laurent Verbeke, Belgian visiting professor of Law at the Harvard Law School: https://www.vrt.be/vrtmax/luister/radio/d/de-ochtend~11-19/de-ochtend~11-30511-0/fragment~72f3f21c-dfb8-4a2b-a13e-08199c0a1b68/

Flashback: Princess Estelle of Sweden's Christening

22 May 2012

Prince Philippe & Princess Mathilde travelled to Stockholm for the christening of Princess Estelle of Sweden, Crown Princess Victoria & Prince Daniel's first child and heir.

The ceremony started at noon.

Queen Margrethe II & Prince Henrik of Denmark.

Hereditary Grand Fuke Guillaume of Luxembourg & his fiancée, Countess Stéphanie de Lannoy.

Princess Märtha Louise of Norway & Ari Behn.

Prince Carl Philipp's girlfriend, Sofia Hellqvist and Princess Madeleine's boyfriend, Chris O'Neill.

Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Princess Madeleine of Sweden.

King Carl Gustav & Queen Silvia of Sweden.

The godparents were:
Crown Prince Haakon of Norway
Crown Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark
Prince Carl Philipp of Sweden
Anna Westling

After the ceremony there was a reception for 400 guests at the royal palace.

In the evening there was a private party for Victoria & Daniel's guests.