Belgian Princess To Resume Harvard Studies After Trump Foreign Student Ban Halted

Last Updated:August 19, 2025, 18:35 IST

Princess Elisabeth of Belgium will continue her studies at Harvard after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration's ban on foreign students.

Princess Elisabeth is the heir to the Belgian throne.

Princess Elisabeth, the heir to the Belgian throne, will be able to continue her studies at Harvard University despite a US government attempt to block foreign students from attending the institution. The 23-year-old royal, who is studying for a master’s degree in Public Policy, faced uncertainty after the Donald Trump administration sought to bar international students from entering the United States to study at Harvard and other universities.

Xavier Baert, communications director for the Belgian Royal Palace, confirmed the development saying, “I can confirm that, for now, all the conditions seem to be in place for the princess to continue her studies at Harvard."

Court Ruling Halts Trump Ban

The concern arose in May when the Donald Trump administration announced the measure, prompting fears that the princess would be unable to resume her course. But in June, a federal judge issued an injunction blocking the administration from enforcing the ban. The ruling has been appealed though the block remains in effect as the new academic year begins on September 2. The administration has argued its policy was aimed at reforming what it called left-leaning and politicised elite universities, allegations strongly rejected by the institutions. Harvard, founded in 1636, counted nearly 6,800 international students in the last academic year, making up more than a quarter of its student body.

Who Is Princess Elisabeth?

Princess Elisabeth is entering the second year of her two-year programme at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Princess Elisabeth is first in line to succeed her father, King Philippe and will one day become Belgium’s first queen regnant.

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Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 19, 2025, 18:35 IST

News world Belgian Princess To Resume Harvard Studies After Trump Foreign Student Ban Halted

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