Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant News and Events 2, Feb 2024 -

[Linda_26]

I was surprised to read in the article that Princess Elisabeth "was spotted casting a vote" in the recent Belgian elections. I know that voting is mandatory in Belgium, but I would imagine that, as heir to the throne, Elisabeth would be exempt. If I am not mistaken, the King and the Queen Consort themselves do not vote, but it appears that they are the only members of the Belgian Royal Family not to do so.

It was widely reported at the time of the Belgian (and European, of course) elections that Elisabeth and her sibilings all voted for the first time.
It was discussed in this thread here:
General Questions and Informations about the Royal Family of Belgium

During Albert's reign, Philippe and Mathilde always voted as well; former/dowager monarchs also are obliged to vote (Fabiola after 1993, Albert and Paola after 2013)

 

[Toledo]

I was surprised to read in the article that Princess Elisabeth "was spotted casting a vote" in the recent Belgian elections. I know that voting is mandatory in Belgium, but I would imagine that, as heir to the throne, Elisabeth would be exempt. If I am not mistaken, the King and the Queen Consort themselves do not vote, but it appears that they are the only members of the Belgian Royal Family not to do so.

To be honest, the issue of royals refraining from voting has always intrigued me. As much as I can understand a rationale for the King and possibly the heir not to vote, I have always asked myself how far one should go down the line of succession for the voluntary "voting ban" to be lifted. And when I asked that, for example on TRF, with respect to specific RFs,, especially in the UK, I never got an answer.

Re her college credentials: Impressive!

Re her casting a vote, I thought royals directly connected to the monarch were not to be involved in voting for political parties of any kind.

Anyone knows more on this? Are they allowed or required to participate in elections or show preference for a candidate(s) or political ideology?

-------------------------​

Footnote, after I posted this, I noticed @Linda_26 reply and thanks for the information! I was not aware it was not a choice but a must-do for the royals to participate in the electoral process. And by royals I don't mean adjacent royalty but solely the inner circle, monarch, spouse and children.

 

[Somebody]

As far as I am aware, the 'voting royals' is mainly a thing in Belgium and Luxembourg - it seems only the reigning monarch and spouse are exempted.

 

[iceflower]

Has Princess Elisabeth graduated yet from Oxford? Are there any images from her graduation ceremony?

The graduation ceremony will take place on July 23, the Palace announced today.

So I guess we'll get some official photos that day

Her Royal Highness Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, attends the Oxford University graduation ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford. The Princess officially completes her 3-year Bachelor of History and Politics at Lincoln College, University of Oxford. Their Majesties the King and Queen and Their Royal Highnesses Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eleanor also attend the ceremony.

La Princesse Elisabeth clôture ses études à l’Université d’Oxford | La Monarchie belge

The Belgian Monarchy website

www.monarchie.be

 

[Somebody]

I assume Gabriel is on his military summer camp or has other military school obligations. Otherwise he surely would have attended as well.

 

[Adda]

Fête Nationale on the 21, then off to Oxford for Elisabeth's big day. Very exciting couple days for the family! I can't believe how fast the years flew by, now Elisabeth's next step will be to get her Master's degree.

I also assumed that Prince Gabriël is on military summer camp. He seems very committed and I bet his family is very proud as well.

 

[Adda]

Huge day for Princess Elisabeth! She receives her degree in Politics & History.

 

[Hannelore]

On the National Day Gabriel got a day off from military summer camp, which lasts until the end of July. He rejoined his promotion on the 22nd.

 

[Marchesina]

I know graduation ceremonies in Oxford are usually livestreamed, do we know if it is the case today as well?

 

[Adda]

There seem to be two graduations scheduled for today. I could be wrong

• Tuesday 23 July 2024 (10:30, 13:30)

This link should work in due time, I guess.

ODC livestream

The Ceremony The Oxford Degree Ceremony dates from the late 12th century. The present ceremony retains the essential features of its predecessors and is conducted in Latin. The Vice-Chancellor and Proctors of the University are assisted by the Bedels. Deans of Degrees from each college...

podcasts.ox.ac.uk

Elisabeth!!!

https://media.gettyimages.com/id/21...=g63z8p4xEERrvRrIeX_hI_NUFpLqAMA043zqYp11lXM=

https://www.imago-images.com/bild/st/0715147561/m.jpg

Livestream is back on! Allez Elisabeth!

ODC livestream

The Ceremony The Oxford Degree Ceremony dates from the late 12th century. The present ceremony retains the essential features of its predecessors and is conducted in Latin. The Vice-Chancellor and Proctors of the University are assisted by the Bedels. Deans of Degrees from each college...

podcasts.ox.ac.uk

There she goes...

https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2162504709/es/foto/crown-princess-elisabeth-arrives-for-the-graduation-ceremony-of-the-university-of-oxford-at.jpg?s=612x612&w=gi&k=20&c=GJGvY5foEoSkS_Q0Kms2w76r3Mpw-OjCLip5YaNNsfY=

https://twitter.com/x/status/1815745550148358494

The proud parents

https://www.imago-images.com/bild/st/0715224306/m.jpg

Belgian Royal Palace on Instagram: "Le Roi, la Reine, le Prince Emmanuel et la Princesse Eléonore sont à Oxford pour la cérémonie de remise des diplômes de la Princesse Elisabeth ! 👩‍🎓 ————— De Koning, de Koningin, Prins Emmanuel en Prinses Eléonore

20K likes, 376 comments - belgianroyalpalace on July 23, 2024: "Le Roi, la Reine, le Prince Emmanuel et la Princesse Eléonore sont à Oxford pour la cérémonie de remise des diplômes de la Princesse Elisabeth ! 👩‍🎓 ————— De Koning, de Koningin, Prins Emmanuel en Prinses Eléonore zijn in Oxford...

www.instagram.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1815759801562943944

 

[An Ard Ri]

What a proud day for Elisabeth's parents and family!

 

[TLLK]

Congratulations to Elisabeth on this milestone!

 

[iceflower]

Here are some nice galleries and pictured articles of today:


** ppe gallery ** gettyimages gallery ** gtresnews gallery ** rex gallery **

Elisabeth de Bélgica se gradúa en Oxford, arropada por sus padres y hermanos, antes de dar el salto a Harvard

La princesa heredera ha completado su licenciatura de tres años en Historia y Política en el Lincoln College de la prestigiosa universidad británica

www.hola.com

Princesse Élizabeth : la famille royale à Oxford pour sa cérémonie de fin d'études (PHOTOS + VIDÉO)

La famille royale est arrivée mardi dans la ville anglaise d'Oxford pour assister à la cérémonie de fin d'études de la princesse Élisabeth.

www.parismatch.be

La famille royale est arrivée à l'Université d’Oxford pour célébrer la réussite académique de la princesse Elisabeth

Après la fête nationale belge, la famille royale est à Oxford pour la remise des diplômes de la Princesse Élisabeth, qui a terminé son bachelier en Histoire et Politique à l'Université d'Oxford.

www.rtl.be

Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium attends her graduation ceremony

Her parents, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, were the image of proud parents as they beamed alongside their eldest child while arriving for today's ceremony.

www.dailymail.co.uk

https://twitter.com/x/status/1815733575624294540

https://twitter.com/x/status/1815818013356052888

 

[Emmily]

Quite an accomplishment! Congratulations to Elisabeth!

 

[Linda_26]

Congratulations to Elisabeth!! I've seen part of the graduation ceremony, she was mentioned as "Elisabeth de Saxe-Cobourg"
I loved the short videos with her parents and sibilings!

 

[hereditarytitles]

Why call her "of Saxe Coburg" as she is the future Belgian royal Queen? She is such a pretty, lovable ambitious and dutiful young woman. She will be a great Queen, I'm sure. Her parents did a good job in preparing her (but maybe they were just lucky...)

 

[Linda_26]

Why call her "of Saxe Coburg" as she is the future Belgian royal Queen? She is such a pretty, lovable ambitious and dutiful young woman. She will be a great Queen, I'm sure. Her parents did a good job in preparing her (but maybe they were just lucky...)

It's the royal family surname!

 

[Adda]

She's been Elisabeth Brabant in Wales
Elisabeth Van België in the RMA
And de Saxe-Coburg in Oxford.

Her ID says von Saxe-Coburg.


Now time to rest a bit, go to the Olympics and then off to Harvard!

 

[Moonmaiden23]

Elisabeth is a credit to her country but an even bigger one to her parents. Philippe and Mathilde must be besides themselves with pride....not to mention a certain relief!

 

[hereditarytitles]

She's been Elisabeth Brabant in Wales
Elisabeth Van België in the RMA
And de Saxe-Coburg in Oxford.

Her ID says von Saxe-Coburg.


Now time to rest a bit, go to the Olympics and then off to Harvard!

Thanks for the explanation, it sounds complicated. I am wishing her all the best for her future plans.

 

[Linda_26]

She's been Elisabeth Brabant in Wales
Elisabeth Van België in the RMA
And de Saxe-Coburg in Oxford.

Her ID says von Saxe-Coburg.


Now time to rest a bit, go to the Olympics and then off to Harvard!

Yes, indeed. In any case, the legal surname of the royal family is de Saxe-Cobourg/Van Saksen-Coburg, and she went by the French form in Oxford

 

[camelot23ca]

What a wonderful day for Elisabeth and her family! Elisabeth has always seemed like a calm, mature girl who’s confident without being arrogant. Her parents must be very proud to see her get on with the business of (young) adulting.

 

[maria-olivia]

First time on our Royal Family that the focus is on the 4 Children of the King and Queen.. Ther are the most lucky Children in our Monarchy had loving parents a happy Childhood., and are sucessful .

 

[Linda_26]

A brief declaration to the press, in French and Dutch:
Prinses Elisabeth bedankt aanwezige pers in Oxford

 

[Alisa]

A huge congratulations to the Duchess! Her academic career and trajectory is quite impressive! Good for her!!
Her parents and siblings look very proud and happy!

 

[kalnel]

Any word on what she'll be doing next?

 

[Somebody]

She will do her master’s at Harvard.

 

[kalnel]

She will do her master’s at Harvard.

Good for her! The way she was smiling at the photographers, she seems to take things in stride.

 

[Royalist.in.NC]

Very, very impressive! Obviously a very bright young woman!

 

[leidi]

Such a beautiful, polished, accomplished young lady.
True credit to her parents and her own efforts!
I loved Eleonore's hug, she was so thrilled for her big sister!