Princess Elisabeth set for new role

Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, the Duchess of Brabant, is set to take on a new role.

The Belgian Royal Palace announced that the heir to the throne would take over the role of representing her father on economic missions. Her aunt, Princess Astrid, stepped down from her role due to her health.

Princess Astrid represented King Philippe on 24 economic missions across the globe for 12 years. On the advice of her doctors, she asked the King to step away from the role.

The King agreed and wished his sister well.

“The King has granted her request and extends his sincerest thanks for her generous and enthusiastic commitment to Belgium’s foreign trade. He offers her his best wishes for a speedy recovery,” the Belgian Royal Palace said.

Queen Mathilde will undertake the economic missions until Princess Elisabeth, who is studying for her master’s degree at Harvard, can take on the responsibility.