Princess Elisabeth, the heir to the Belgian throne, has been caught in the middle of US President Donald Trump’s ban on foreign students attending the prestigious Harvard University.
The Duchess of Brabant just completed her first year of studies in a master’s program at the Boston Ivy League school, but Trump’s new ban leaves questions on whether the future queen will be allowed to finish her studies.
The Trump Administration has revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, but a federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration from enforcing the rules. Students have been told they have to transfer to a new school or lose their legal status in the U.S.
It remains to be seen if President Trump will grant an exception to a future head of state, but the Belgian Royal Palace is evaluating its options.
Lore Vandoorne, spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace, has said: “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.”
Communication Director Xavier Baert also stated: “We are analysing this at the moment and will let things settle. A lot can still happen in the coming days and weeks.”
Princess Elisabeth has returned home to Belgium for the summer.
The 23-year-old is studying public policy after graduating with her bachelor’s degree from Oxford University in England.
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