Belgium’s future queen is enjoying a remarkable surge in public support. After taking on a more prominent institutional role over the past year and making key appearances on behalf of the monarchy, Princess Elisabeth has officially become the country’s most popular member of the royal family, according to a new nationwide survey.
The findings highlight what some Belgian commentators are already calling the “Elisabeth effect,” reflecting growing confidence in the 24-year-old heir as she prepares for her future role on the throne.
Princess Elisabeth tops the rankings:
The survey, conducted by Belgian media outlets HLN, VTM Nieuws, and RTL as part of De Grote Peiling, paints a largely positive picture of the Belgian monarchy while also revealing increasing expectations for the royal family’s future.
© LISE ASERUDAlthough public support for the monarchy remains strong, two out of three Belgians believe the institution should reduce its spending. At the same time, King Philippe’s approval ratings have continued to improve.
The monarch received a score of 6.9 out of 10, up from 6.6 in 2024 and 5.9 in 2023, reflecting growing appreciation for his leadership.
© WireImageHowever, the biggest surprise was Princess Elisabeth, who emerged as the highest-rated royal with 7.3 out of 10, ahead of Queen Mathilde’s 7.1. The results suggest that Belgians increasingly see the future queen as the monarchy’s strongest asset.
Harvard graduation and a growing royal role:
Princess Elisabeth’s popularity comes after a milestone year in both her academic and royal life. Following her graduation from Harvard, the heir to the Belgian throne has significantly expanded her public duties, becoming a more visible figure at official engagements.
© BENOIT DOPPAGNE/Belga/Sipa USAOne of her most notable appearances came during the recent state visit of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan to Belgium, where Elisabeth joined her parents and siblings in welcoming the imperial couple. The visit marked an important step in introducing Belgium’s next generation of royals on the international stage.
Her increasing presence at official events appears to have resonated with the public, reinforcing confidence in her future as queen.
Queen Mathilde and King Philippe also see stronger support:
The survey also delivered encouraging news for King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.
© Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Getty ImagesAlongside the king’s improving approval ratings, 68% of Belgians said they are satisfied with Queen Mathilde’s work, particularly in her role as an economic ambassador representing Belgium abroad.
Rather than losing popularity as their daughter takes on a larger public role, both monarchs have seen their own approval ratings improve in recent years, suggesting broad confidence in the royal family’s leadership.
A changing future for the Belgian monarchy:
The poll also highlights a growing desire among Belgians to see Princess Elisabeth assume a more prominent role in the near future. Nearly 48% of respondents said they would like to see her become queen within the next five years, underscoring the strong public confidence in the next generation of the monarchy.
© ShutterstockNot every member of the royal family fared as well. Prince Laurent, King Philippe’s younger brother, recorded significantly lower levels of public trust following several recent controversies, including renewed attention surrounding the acknowledgment of a previously unknown son, reports about financial disputes, and scrutiny over past associations.
Overall, the survey suggests that while support for Belgium’s monarchy remains solid, Princess Elisabeth has emerged as its brightest figure, with many Belgians already viewing her as the future face of the Crown.
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