Harvard poses concerns for the presumptive Belgian monarch
In a series of recent developments, the status of international students attending Harvard University has been under scrutiny. President Donald Trump, in a move on June 4, 2025, issued a proclamation to restrict foreign nationals from entering the U.S. to attend Harvard, citing national security concerns. However, a preliminary injunction issued on June 23, 2025, has temporarily blocked this proclamation, allowing international students to continue with their studies at the prestigious institution [1][2].
One such student is Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, who is currently pursuing a two-year Master's degree in Public Policy at Harvard University in Massachusetts. The Belgian Royal Palace has not confirmed whether the ongoing travel restrictions will affect the Crown Princess's studies. However, the general situation for international students at Harvard is that they can continue their education due to the court orders blocking the restrictions [3].
It is worth noting that the Department of Homeland Security attempted to revoke Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification on May 22, 2025, which would have prevented the university from enrolling new international students. This action was temporarily halted by a court order, and despite ongoing legal proceedings, international students can still enroll [2][3].
In case visa issues persist, Harvard Kennedy School has contingency plans, including online study options and a partnership with the University of Toronto. However, these plans are not directly related to specific individuals like Crown Princess Elisabeth [3].
At present, there is no specific information available regarding the status of Crown Princess Elisabeth in the context of these restrictions. The Royal Palace is reportedly evaluating the potential impact of a possible U.S. travel ban on the Crown Princess's studies [3].
Crown Princess Elisabeth's studies at Harvard University are planned to last for two years, with her expected graduation in May 2026 [1][2]. As the situation evolves, updates regarding the Crown Princess's studies and the ongoing legal proceedings will be closely monitored.
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/24/us/harvard-international-students-travel-ban/index.html [2] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-harvard-students/u-s-judge-blocks-trump-administrations-attempt-to-bar-international-students-from-harvard-idUSKCN2E42JT [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/24/us/politics/harvard-international-students-travel-ban.html
- Despite the ongoing travel restrictions affecting international students at Harvard University, Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, who is studying there, can continue her education due to the court orders blocking the restrictions.
- The Department of Homeland Security attempted to revoke Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which would have prevented the university from enrolling new international students, but this action was temporarily halted by a court order.
- In case visa issues persist, Harvard Kennedy School has contingency plans such as online study options and a partnership with the University of Toronto, though these plans are not directly related to specific individuals like Crown Princess Elisabeth.
