If you follow the Belgian Royal Family, you probably think of Princess Eléonore as the quiet one. The youngest. The one standing gracefully at the edge of the official photos while her sister, Crown Princess Elisabeth, takes the spotlight. Honestly, it’s a bit of a misconception. While her siblings have been off at military academies or prestigious universities abroad, Eléonore has been quietly building a very different kind of royal profile right in the heart of Brussels.
She’s 17 now. Born on April 16, 2008, in Anderlecht, she arrived as the fourth child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. But being the "baby" of the family hasn't meant a pampered or sheltered life. If anything, her path has been one of the most linguistically and socially diverse in the family.
Why her education is actually a big deal
Most royals stick to one track. Eléonore? She’s been all over the map, literally and figuratively. She started at St John Berchmans College in Brussels, which is a pretty standard "royal" choice—until it wasn't. In 2020, there was this whole thing with school district rules. Basically, the family lived too far away at the Palace of Laeken, so she had to switch schools.
She ended up at the Heilig-Hartcollege in Tervuren. It’s a Dutch-language school. Think about that for a second. In a country like Belgium, where language is a massive political minefield, having a princess who is genuinely fluent and educated in Dutch (while being a native French speaker) is a huge deal. It’s not just for show; she actually lived it.
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Fast forward to right now, in 2026. Since the summer of 2023, she’s been attending the International School of Brussels (ISB). She’s following in the footsteps of her brothers, Gabriel and Emmanuel. This move to an English-speaking environment is basically the final piece of the puzzle. By 17, she’s become a trilingual powerhouse:
- French: Spoken at home with her parents.
- Dutch: The language of her primary and early secondary education.
- English: The language of her current International Baccalaureate studies.
More than just "Princess" duties
You’ve likely seen the photos of her volunteering. During the pandemic, she wasn't just sitting in the palace. She was actually baking waffles for the homeless and making phone calls to isolated elderly people in care centers. It sounds like a PR move, but those who follow the Belgian court closely know the royals tend to be quite low-key about their charity work compared to other European houses.
She’s also been a scout for years. You can’t really fake the scout life—the camping, the teamwork, the mud. It’s a part of her life that often gets overlooked because it’s not "glamorous," but it’s where her personality actually shines through.
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The Musical Side of the Palace
One thing people often miss is her serious dedication to the violin. This isn't just a hobby she picks up once a year for a Christmas concert. She’s been playing since she was a small child. There’s a famous clip from her father’s birthday a few years back where she played for him—it wasn't just "good for a princess," it was actually technically impressive.
She’s also surprisingly sporty. Here is a quick breakdown of what she actually does when she's not on a balcony:
- Sailing: She’s been spotted on the water several times during family vacations.
- Skiing: A winter staple for the Belgian royals.
- Tennis: She’s known to be quite competitive on the court.
- Aikido: This one usually surprises people. It’s a martial art that focuses on harmony and turning an opponent's energy against them. Sorta fits her vibe, doesn't it?
What happens next?
People always ask: what is her role? She’s fourth in line to the throne. Realistically, she’s never going to be Queen. Her sister Elisabeth is the heir. This gives Eléonore a unique kind of freedom. She doesn't have the same "weight of the world" on her shoulders that Elisabeth does, but she still carries the "Princess of Belgium" title everywhere.
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We’re seeing her step out more. In late 2024 and throughout 2025, she started appearing at more high-profile events, often acting as a sort of "wingwoman" for her sister. They have a very close bond. When Elisabeth was away at Oxford and later Harvard, they were constantly in touch.
The "Elisabeth Lookalike" Label
The media loves to call her "Elisabeth's lookalike." And yeah, the family resemblance is striking. But Eléonore's style is starting to diverge. While Elisabeth often goes for bold, sculptural pieces, Eléonore leans into a softer, more "boho-chic" but refined look. She’s becoming a fashion icon in her own right among Belgian Gen Z.
Insights for following her journey
If you're looking to keep an eye on how she develops as a public figure, don't look at the big state banquets first. Look at the smaller, community-focused events. That's where the Belgian royals usually "test" new roles for the younger members.
- Watch the National Day celebrations: Every July 21st, pay attention to her interactions. She’s often the one bridging the gap between the older royals and the public.
- Language matters: In 2026, keep an ear out for her public speaking. As she finishes her time at the International School, her first "solo" speeches will likely be a mix of Dutch and French, which is the ultimate "power move" for a Belgian royal.
- University choices: Within the next 12 months, we’ll know where she’s heading for higher education. If she follows the family trend, she might head to the UK or the US, but don't be surprised if she chooses a specialized arts or social sciences program.
She isn't just a "spare" or a background character. Princess Eléonore represents a modern, multi-lingual, and socially conscious version of the Belgian monarchy that is very much in tune with 2026.
Next steps to understand the Belgian Royals:
To get a full picture of the family dynamic, you should look into how Prince Emmanuel is carving out his own path in the shadow of the throne. His transition to the International School before Eléonore set the blueprint for how the younger siblings are being prepared for lives that balance royal duty with private careers.