Whereas the Belgian royals generally blend into the background of media focus, Crown Princess Elisabeth has managed to capture the attention of the nation. The 22-year-old is in line to become Belgium's first Queen, but who really is she?
From walking up to the press unplanned for a friendly chat during her military training to finding a way to the hearts of many Belgians with a heartfelt speech on her 18th birthday: Crown Princess Elisabeth has repeatedly surprised the nation with her charm and eloquence.
"The Belgian monarchy is very lucky with Elisabeth. The Royal Family is not always particularly popular, with the often-heard criticism that it is an outdated institution. But I do notice a certain excitement when it comes to Elisabeth," royalty expert Wim Dehandschutter told The Brussels Times.
"She is the future of the monarchy and she will also become Belgium's first queen. That is historic," he added. "She is the embodiment of the next generation."
The X-factor
Elisabeth has already proven that she will be able to meet the population's high expectations, Dehandschutter argues: "She is young, she looks good, she is charming, she has the X-factor. She is also eloquent, knows how to speak up for what she believes in and – importantly in Belgium – she knows her languages."
Elisabeth has already spoken in front of large audiences and is not uncomfortable being the centre of attention. "A lot of good things are said about her, it's actually difficult to find anything negative to say about Elisabeth."
It's a widely-held opinion, illustrated by a nationwide survey carried out for King Philippe's ten years on the throne in 2023. "This survey showed that the overwhelming majority of Belgians really like her. They indicated that she came across as unpretentious and very natural."
Especially when compared to her father King Philippe, who often comes across as quite wooden and shy, Elisabeth's comes across as natural and unflustered.
Three generations (L-R): future Queen Elisabeth, former King Albert and current King Philippe. Credit: Brussels Royal Palace / Bas Bogaert
In the international press too, the Belgian Crown Princess is being followed closely: she was recently labelled one of world's most desirable royals. Fashion magazine Vogue even named her among the most stylish princesses in the world.
"For a long time, Queen Mathilde has been the most popular member of the Royal Family but we see that Elisabeth is slowly but surely claiming that title for herself," Dehandschutter said. "Elisabeth is truly becoming the poster child of the Royal Family."
The next in line to the throne has the firm support of her parents – both in her growing public role and in her personal life. "She and her siblings are given the privacy and anonymity to develop a personality, to go to a regular school and live life normally."
This also contrasts markedly with King Philippe, whose childhood in an unhappy family was well documented by Belgian media. "For the first time with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and their children, this is a completely different scenario and a very positive example."
Piecing together a queen
These factors have all created a Crown Princess who is well prepared for the throne. "Elisabeth turned 18 in 2019; if the King dies today, she must in theory be ready to take his place."
But barring any unforeseen deaths, the year 2030 – when Belgium will celebrate its 200th anniversary – is often suggested as a time when Elisabeth could take over her father's role.
But Dehandschutter believes it might still be too early. "She would not yet be 30; I think 2040 would be more likely. Elisabeth will be in her late 30s and will have had more training. King Philippe also wants to continue his reign for a certain period. In 2040 he will be almost 80, the age King Albert was when he abdicated."
On top of that comes the fact that Elisabeth has to find a partner. "She will also have to guarantee the continuity of the monarchy, which means having children. Taking all of that into account, I think 2040 will be a much more realistic year than 2030."
Crown Princess Elisabeth pictured during a visit to the archaeological site of El Kab, Egypt. Credit: Belga/Eric Lalmand
Finding a partner though is not a condition to becoming Queen of the Belgians. In 1951, former King Baudouin ascended the throne as a bachelor and only met Fabiola ten years later. "Additionally, outgoing Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has said that she is free to marry a woman if she wants to. The only issue is that it would make the question of succession a bit more complicated."
But this is all still far off, as the Royal Palace recently announced that Elisabeth will be going to the United States to start studies at Harvard University this year, having recently passed the entrance tests for a two-year master's degree in Public Policy.
"It is as if she is collecting all the pieces to become a great queen. As she said herself when she turned 18: the nation can count on her."
