Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, the 23-year-old heir to the throne, may be forced to suspend or abandon her studies at Harvard University following a sweeping and controversial decision by the Trump administration to block the school from enrolling international students. The move, which took effect immediately, revokes Harvard’s certification to host foreign students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, affecting thousands of current and incoming scholars — including the future queen of Belgium.
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Elisabeth, who just completed her first year of a two-year master’s degree in Public Policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School, now finds herself among the international students facing legal and academic uncertainty. The Belgian Royal Palace acknowledged the situation, with spokesperson Lore Vandoorne stating, “We are currently investigating the situation,” and communication director Xavier Baert adding, “A lot can still happen in the coming days and weeks.”
Harvard Strikes Back in Court
In response to what it calls an “unlawful and unwarranted action,” Harvard has filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts federal court against the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies. The university argues that the revocation violates its First Amendment and due process rights and is part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to punish elite academic institutions.
“With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body,” the university wrote in its complaint, noting that more than 6,800 international students — 27% of its student population — now face potential deportation or forced transfer.
Harvard President Alan Garber condemned the crackdown, warning it imperils not only the futures of its students but also the school’s academic and research mission. “It serves as a warning to countless others at colleges and universities throughout the country who have come to America to pursue their education and fulfil their dreams,” he said.
Clash of Values
The administration’s action comes amid broader tensions with Harvard, which has faced escalating demands to align with federal directives. These include eliminating diversity programs, enhancing cooperation with immigration enforcement, suppressing pro-Palestine demonstrations, and submitting to a “viewpoint diversity” audit. Homeland Security officials claim Harvard has fostered an “unsafe campus environment,” citing allegations of antisemitism and anti-American activism — accusations Harvard strongly denies.
The decision also comes with financial consequences. The administration has frozen over $2.6 billion in federal funding to Harvard and halted future grants, intensifying pressure on the university to comply.
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For Princess Elisabeth — who previously earned a degree in history and politics from Oxford University — the stakes are personal as well as symbolic. Her education in public service is intended to prepare her for her future role as queen, and her studies in the US represent a bridge between Belgium and America.