She’s the one you usually see standing quietly on the far right of the royal balcony during the Belgian National Day. Princess Eléonore of Belgium doesn't seek out the cameras. Honestly, compared to her older sister, Princess Elisabeth—the future Queen who’s currently training at Harvard and military academies—Eléonore has had a much quieter path. But that’s exactly why people are getting interested. As the youngest child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, she’s navigating that weird, specific space of being a high-ranking royal without the immediate weight of the throne on her shoulders.
She was born on April 16, 2008, at the Erasmus Hospital in Anderlecht. It’s a bit of a departure from the older tradition where royals were strictly "palace babies."
The Belgian monarchy is famously understated compared to the British "The Firm," but Eléonore is becoming a style icon for Gen Z in Europe anyway. You'll see her in Zara or Maje as often as she's in a designer gown. It makes her relatable. Or at least as relatable as a Princess can be when her godparents include Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
The Education of Princess Eléonore of Belgium
One thing that people get wrong about the Belgian royals is assuming they all go to the same elite boarding schools from day one. Eléonore’s education has actually been pretty varied. She started at St John Berchmans College in Brussels. That’s a big deal because it’s a Dutch-speaking school. In a country like Belgium, which is perpetually split between French and Dutch speakers, where the royals go to school is a massive political statement.
She later moved to the International School of Brussels (ISB). It’s an English-language school, which tells you a lot about the palace's strategy. They want these kids to be global players. Since 2023, she has been attending the International School of Brussels to pursue her International Baccalaureate.
Education isn't just about books for her.
She plays the violin. Not just "took a few lessons" plays—she actually performs. During the annual Christmas concerts at the Royal Palace in Brussels, you’ll often see her with the bow in hand. It’s become a bit of a tradition. It’s also a way for her to contribute to the family’s public image without having to give a formal, stuffy speech.
Finding a Role in a Modern Monarchy
What do you do when you’re the "spare" of the spare?
In the past, younger siblings in the Belgian royal house often had to find their own way, sometimes with a bit of friction. But the current King and Queen seem to be keeping Eléonore very much in the fold. She’s often seen accompanying her mother, Queen Mathilde, on engagements that focus on the arts or social issues.
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Last year, she made a quiet but significant appearance at the Queen Elisabeth Competition. It’s one of the most prestigious music contests in the world. Seeing a teenager sit through hours of classical cello or violin might seem boring to some, but for Eléonore, it’s basically her home turf.
Language and Identity
Belgium is complicated. If you’re a royal, you have to speak Dutch, French, and German. Eléonore is reportedly fluent in the first two and is working on the rest, plus English. It’s a lot of pressure. Imagine having to switch languages perfectly just to talk to different groups of your "subjects" at a garden party.
She’s also been involved in scouting. In Belgium, the "Souts" are a massive institution. It’s where kids from all backgrounds mix. Seeing Princess Eléonore of Belgium in a scout uniform, getting muddy and doing outdoor chores, does a lot to soften the image of a monarchy that could otherwise seem out of touch.
A Different Kind of Royal Style
Let's talk about the clothes. People obsess over what the royals wear, and Eléonore is currently hitting that sweet spot between "dutiful daughter" and "modern teenager."
She’s been seen wearing brands like Carolina Herrera, which her mother loves, but she also leans into more accessible European brands. At the 2024 National Day celebrations, her choice of a sleek, modern dress caught the eye of fashion bloggers across the continent. She isn't doing the "rebellious royal" thing. She’s doing the "sophisticated but fresh" thing.
It's smart.
By staying away from controversy and focusing on her studies and her music, she’s building a brand that is remarkably stable. While other royal houses in Europe are dealing with memoirs, lawsuits, and public feuds, the Belgian kids—Elisabeth, Gabriel, Emmanuel, and Eléonore—seem like a tight-knit unit.
Why Her Role Matters for Belgium’s Future
Belgium is a country that often struggles to stay together. The monarchy is one of the few things that actually spans the entire nation, regardless of whether you’re from Flanders or Wallonia.
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Eléonore represents the next generation of that "glue."
Because she is the youngest, she has the benefit of watching her siblings navigate the spotlight first. She can see what works and what doesn't. While her sister Elisabeth is the clear star and future head of state, Eléonore provides the support system. In the world of European royalty, the "support" roles are often what keep the institution functioning day-to-day.
The Public Perception
If you look at Belgian social media or the comments on the official "Belgian Royal Palace" Instagram, the sentiment toward Eléonore is overwhelmingly positive. She’s seen as the "quiet one" who is nonetheless very present.
There's no drama. No leaked photos from wild parties. Just a young woman finishing high school, playing the violin, and occasionally wearing a very nice hat at a royal wedding or a Te Deum service.
The Logistics of a Young Princess
Life isn't all tiaras and galas. Most of Eléonore's life is actually quite disciplined.
- Daily Schooling: She attends a regular (though elite) school with other students her age.
- Music Practice: The violin takes hours of dedicated work every week.
- Official Duties: These are usually reserved for weekends or school holidays to ensure her education comes first.
- Sports: She’s known to be active in skiing and sailing, which are standard royal hobbies but also genuine interests for her.
She also does volunteer work. During the pandemic, it was revealed that she and her siblings were helping out with elderly residents in nursing homes, making phone calls to combat loneliness. It wasn't a huge press junket; it was just something they did.
Navigating the Future
As Princess Eléonore of Belgium gets older, the questions about her future will grow louder. Will she go into the military like her sister and brothers? Will she pursue a career in the arts?
In Belgium, the members of the royal family who aren't the direct heir often have to find a balance between their royal duties and a professional life. Her uncle, Prince Lorenz, worked in banking. Her father, before he was King, was heavily involved in trade missions.
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Eléonore will likely have to carve out a similar niche. Given her interest in music and her multilingual education, she might end up in a role that bridges cultural gaps or promotes the Belgian arts on an international stage.
Actionable Insights for Royal Watchers
If you’re trying to keep up with Eléonore’s progress or want to understand the Belgian monarchy better, here are the best ways to do it.
Follow the official Belgian Royal Palace accounts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). They are surprisingly active and post high-quality photos that aren't always distributed to the international press. Unlike the British royals, the Belgians don't have as many dedicated "fan" tabloids, so the official source is usually the best.
Pay attention to National Day (July 21st). This is the one day a year where the whole family is out in force, and you can see the dynamics between the siblings. It’s also where Eléonore usually debuts her most significant fashion choices for the year.
Keep an eye on international music competitions in Brussels. If there is a major violin or piano event, there is a very high chance she will be in the audience, often without a massive security detail or fanfare. It’s where she’s most "herself."
Understand the Dotation system. In Belgium, the number of royal family members who receive public money is very small. Eléonore likely won’t receive a public salary when she’s older, meaning she will need to be financially independent. This makes her choice of university and career even more interesting to watch in the coming years.
She isn't just a face in a photograph. She's a student, a musician, and a key part of a monarchy trying to stay relevant in 2026. Whether she stays in the shadows or steps further into the light, she’s doing it on her own terms, which is probably the most "modern" thing a princess can do.