10 fascinating facts about Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, Duchess of Brabant

On 25 October 2026, Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, Duchess of Brabant, celebrates her 25th birthday!

As the eldest daughter of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Princess Elisabeth has a very special place in Belgian royal history. One day, she is expected to become the first reigning Queen of the Belgians.

But who is the young princess behind the royal title? From her international education and military training to her love of music and sports, there is much more to discover about Belgium's future queen.

Let's celebrate her birthday with 10 fascinating facts about Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium!

1. A princess born in Brussels

Princess Elisabeth Thérèse Marie Hélène was born on 25 October 2001 at the Erasmus Hospital in Anderlecht, Brussels.

She is the first child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, who were then Duke and Duchess of Brabant.

Elisabeth has three younger siblings: Prince Gabriel, born in 2003, Prince Emmanuel, born in 2005, and Princess Eléonore, born in 2008.

2. Belgium's first future reigning queen

Did you know that Princess Elisabeth is expected to become Belgium's first reigning queen?

Belgium changed its succession rules in 1991, introducing equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters of the monarch.

This means that the eldest child inherits the throne, regardless of gender.

When Elisabeth eventually succeeds her father, she will make Belgian royal history!

3. The Duchess of Brabant

On 21 July 2013, when her father became King Philippe of the Belgians, Elisabeth received the title Duchess of Brabant. This traditional title is reserved for the heir to the Belgian throne.

Interestingly, Elisabeth is the first woman to hold the title in her own right. The Duchy of Brabant itself has a fascinating history, dating back to the Middle Ages.

4. An international education

Princess Elisabeth has studied in several countries.

She began her education at the Dutch-speaking Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege in Brussels before moving to UWC Atlantic College in Wales.

In 2020, she obtained her International Baccalaureate.

She continued her studies at Lincoln College, University of Oxford, where she graduated in History and Politics in July 2024.

In May 2026, Elisabeth completed a Master's degree in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School in the United States.

An impressive international education for Belgium's future queen!

5. Military training in Belgium

Like several other European heirs to the throne, Princess Elisabeth has received military training.

In August 2020, she entered the Royal Military Academy in Brussels, where she studied Social and Military Sciences.

She completed her first year of military training in July 2021 and subsequently participated in additional military exercises.

In September 2023, she took the oath as an officer.

Her military education forms an important part of her preparation for future royal responsibilities.

6. A princess who speaks four languages

Belgium is a multilingual country, and its future queen is no exception! Princess Elisabeth speaks Dutch, French, German and English. These language skills are particularly important in Belgium, where Dutch, French and German are the three official languages. Her international studies have also given her opportunities to discover different cultures and traditions.

7. Her first official royal engagement

Princess Elisabeth was only nine years old when she carried out her first official royal engagement.

In September 2011, she inaugurated the Princess Elisabeth Children's Hospital at Ghent University Hospital. During the ceremony, the young princess delivered a speech in Dutch. It was an important milestone in her public life and an early introduction to her future responsibilities.

8. A love of music and sports

Away from royal engagements, Princess Elisabeth enjoys several hobbies. She has taken piano lessons for many years and has a varied taste in music. She also enjoys skiing, rowing and sailing.

During her studies at Oxford, she even participated in rowing competitions.

Walking in nature, reading and spending time with friends are among her other favourite activities. These interests offer a glimpse of the young woman behind the royal duties.

9. A princess with a heart for others

Princess Elisabeth has already participated in several humanitarian and charitable activities. In June 2019, she accompanied her mother, Queen Mathilde, on a UNICEF field visit to Kenya.

She has also volunteered with organisations supporting elderly people, people with disabilities, homeless people and young people experiencing difficulties at school.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Elisabeth contacted elderly residents of care homes by telephone to offer encouragement.

These experiences have introduced her to different aspects of society.

10. A new chapter in her royal journey

The year 2026 marks an important milestone in Princess Elisabeth's life. After graduating from Harvard in May, she decided to take some time for personal development before assuming more extensive royal responsibilities.

Although she has spent several years studying abroad, Elisabeth has continued to participate in important events in Belgium.

In June 2026, she welcomed Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan upon their arrival for a state visit to Belgium.

As she celebrates her 25th birthday, a new chapter is beginning for the young Duchess of Brabant. One day, she is expected to follow in the footsteps of her father, King Philippe, and become Belgium's first reigning queen.

Happy 25th birthday, Princess Elisabeth!

Are you interested in the history of the Belgian Royal Family? Discover more royal stories, fascinating facts and historical connections here on All About Royal Families.

What do you find most interesting about Belgium's future queen? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

As always: thank you amazing photographer Bjorn Hoex for the pictures!