Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, heir to the Belgian throne, is facing uncertainty about her academic future at Harvard University following the Trump administration's move to revoke the school's ability to enroll international students. The decision, announced Thursday by the Department of Homeland Security, is part of an escalating conflict between the administration and Harvard over the school's response to demands from the White House's Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism.
The 23-year-old royal, who holds the title Duchess of Brabant, completed her first year in Harvard's Master of Public Policy program this spring. She returned to Belgium for the summer and is awaiting clarity on whether she can return for her second year. "We are looking into the situation, to see what kind of impact this decision might have on the princess, or not. It's too early to say right now," said Xavier Baert, communications director for the Belgian Royal Palace.
The Belgian Royal Palace's spokesperson Lore Vandoorne added, "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."
Harvard, which has approximately 6,800 international students-more than 25% of its total enrollment-filed a federal lawsuit on Friday in Boston, calling the move "unlawful and unwarranted." The university said it would seek a temporary restraining order against the action. "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 who have come to America to pursue their education and fulfill their dreams," Harvard President Alan M. Garber wrote in a message to the university community.
The Trump administration's order affects both incoming and current international students, requiring them to either transfer or leave the country. The government has accused Harvard of permitting "antisemitic agitation" and coordinating with hostile foreign actors, including the Chinese Communist Party, allegations the university has denied.
Harvard's refusal to implement federal demands related to student and faculty vetting reportedly triggered the revocation. The demands included broad reforms to admissions and hiring practices and access to behavioral records of foreign students.
In response to the controversy, China's Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. move, saying it "will only damage its own image and international credibility." A university in Hong Kong has since offered to welcome foreign students affected by the U.S. policy.
Princess Elisabeth, the eldest of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde's four children, previously earned an undergraduate degree in history and politics at Oxford University's Lincoln College. Her graduate studies at Harvard mark a continuation of her international academic career.
Baert emphasized that the royal family is monitoring developments closely. "We'll have to see what happens next year," he said. A "lot can still happen in the coming days and weeks."
