Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
Belgium’s heir to the throne Princess Elisabeth has entered the country’s Royal Military Academy for a year of studies.
The young Royal, who was previously studying at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, will follow the first year of the course, in the Dutch-speaking linguistic role, as part of the 160th promotion in Social and Military Sciences (SSMW).
Princess Elisabeth, 18, is the heir apparent to the Belgian throne as the eldest child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.
The Duchess of Brabant will become Belgium’s first Queen Regent if she takes up the role after a change in the law made it possible for the eldest child, regardless of gender, to ascend to the throne.
To help her prepare for her future official duties, Princess Elisabeth entered the Royal Military Academy (ERM) in the Belgian capital Brussels today (31st August).
She will follow a one-year course in the social and military sciences, following in the footsteps of her father King Philip and other members of the royal family in the past.
The Palace said in a statement in May: “By joining the ERM, the Princess is part of a long tradition of the royal family.”
The princess’ studies will allow her to work on communication skills, international relations and geopolitics, leadership, teamwork, and management, according to the Royal Palace of Brussels.
At the end of the one-year course, Princess Elisabeth will receive an end-of-year certificate from the ERM.
After a training period, the princess will go the Elsenborn military camp for the traditional Pim (military initiation phase) which all cadets take part in.
After four weeks, she will receive the blue beret of the Royal Military Academy. At the beginning of October, she will also take part in the ERM’s opening of the academic year with a parade on the Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels.
The academy said on its website: “The students of the Royal Military Academy are delighted with the arrival of our Belgian Crown Princess and reserve her a warm welcome.
“The teachers, professors and staff of ERM will also do their utmost to provide a rewarding academic year.”
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