Princess Elisabeth of Belgium has graduated from the University of Oxford with honours. The Belgian royal family attended her graduation ceremony on Tuesday, marking the end of her three-year stint at the esteemed British institution.
The Princess has just completed a three-year Bachelor's degree in History and Politics at Lincoln College, Oxford University. The mood was jubilant as she and her family marked the end of a formative academic chapter together.
Along with her parents King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and her siblings Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eleonore, Elisabeth began the day with a visit to the Lincoln College chancellor's residency.
Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
Here the royals met with Oxford University Chancellor Henry Woudhuysen and Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey.
Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
The ceremony then took place at Sheldonian Theatre. In Oxford tradition dating back to 1432, the ceremony featured a strict dress code and some words in Latin. The Princess graduated with Upper Second-Class Honours (between 60% and 70%).
Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
"I have learnt so much thanks to the teachers with whom I have been able to study," the Duchess of Brabant told press at the event. "There is really no better city to study history than Oxford, with its typical English traditions and rich architecture. I have really enjoyed the people and the encounters that have taken place here."
Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
The 22-year-old royal's next stop is Harvard University in Boston, where she will undertake a two-year Master's degree in public policy. According to the Palace, the Princess was selected for an 'Honorary Award' from the Fullbright Program, the US Department of State's international educational exchange programme.
Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
The family celebrates
Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
The Princess and heir to the throne is the eldest of four children. Prince Gabriel, the second eldest, was not present at the ceremony and is studying Social and Military Sciences at Belgium's Royal Military School. Both Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eleonore attend the International School of Brussels.
Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
As tradition dictates, the graduation ceremony came to a close with the throwing of mortar boards into the air.
Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
