Princess Eléonore breaks from royal family tradition with a different university path

Princess Eléonore of Belgium is preparing for a major new chapter. Beginning in September 2026, the 18-year-old will move to the Netherlands to study Liberal Arts and Sciences at University College Utrecht (UCU), the honors college of Utrecht University.

While the move marks an exciting milestone on its own, it also highlights how the youngest daughter of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde is forging a path unlike any of her older siblings.

Unlike Crown Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel and Prince Emmanuel, who each pursued more specialized academic or military training, Eléonore has chosen one of Europe’s most flexible interdisciplinary degree programs, allowing her to build a curriculum tailored to her own interests.

The three-year program, taught entirely in English, gives students the freedom to combine courses in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences before eventually graduating with either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, depending on the focus of their studies.

© Andreas Rentz

Her decision makes her the first member of Belgium’s reigning royal family to attend University College Utrecht. According to the Belgian Royal Palace, Eléonore earned her place through the university’s standard admissions process before the announcement was made on July 23. 

The university also welcomed her publicly as one of approximately 250 students selected for the incoming academic year.

A different route from her siblings:

Each of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde’s children has followed a distinct educational path, but Eléonore’s stands out for its flexibility.

© Andreas Rentz

Princess Elisabeth, the heir to the Belgian throne, completed a degree in History and Politics at the University of Oxford before earning a master’s degree in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, reflecting her future role as head of state.

Prince Gabriel graduated from Belgium’s Royal Military Academy after completing preparatory studies in the United Kingdom, while Prince Emmanuel chose a business-focused education and is currently studying at Brussels business school ISTEC.

© BENOIT DOPPAGNE

Rather than following a similarly specialized route, Eléonore will be able to explore subjects ranging from history and philosophy to politics, psychology, mathematics and environmental sciences before choosing an academic concentration.

She will also experience a typical international student lifestyle, living on campus during her first two years alongside about 750 students representing more than 70 countries.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde fully support her decision:

The princess’s choice reflects King Philippe and Queen Mathilde’s long-standing approach to raising their younger children. 

© Patrick van Katwijk

While Princess Elisabeth has prepared specifically for her future as queen, the monarch has repeatedly emphasized that Gabriel, Emmanuel and Eléonore should have the freedom to discover their own interests before taking on greater royal responsibilities.

Speaking publicly about his children’s futures, King Philippe said he wanted to give them the opportunity to enjoy their youth, grow personally and explore the world, adding that he supports them “100 percent.”

© ERIC LALMAND

The family’s support was also evident earlier this year when Eléonore received a diamond tiara from her parents to celebrate her 18th birthday. She later debuted the Belgian-made jewel during a state banquet at the Royal Palace of Laeken, marking another milestone as she gradually steps into adulthood while preparing for life beyond the classroom.