FUTURE MONARCHS

What are young royals studying? Inside the academic lives of Europe’s princes and princesses

Europe's young royals are carving out modern paths for themselves grounded in education and experience.

What are young royals studying? Inside the academic lives of Europe’s future monarchs

AUGUST 29, 2025 12:36 PM EDTAUG 29, 2025, 12:36 PM EDT

As summer is about to end and September approaches, students around the globe are about to start the academic year. Schools and universities are opening their doors once again, marking the return to classes, textbooks, and routines. Europe's young royals are no exception, they are set to pack their bags and head to campus. But what exactly are the future monarchs studying? Here's a look at the academic paths of the royal heirs.

SPAIN: Leonor continues her military training, while Sofía begins university.

Princess Leonor, 19 (soon to be 20), is entering the final stage of her military education. After her time at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza and the Naval Academy in Marín, where she embarked on a transatlantic voyage aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, she is now set to join the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier (Murcia).

Meanwhile, her younger sister, Infanta Sofía, 18, embarks on a new chapter at university. She has enrolled in a three-year program in Political Science and International Relations at Forward College, a private institution affiliated with the University of London. Her studies will take place across three campuses: Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin. The program, directed by the London School of Economics, is recognized across the European Higher Education Area and costs approximately €18,500 per year, covered by her parents, King Felipe and Queen Letizia, through their royal stipend.

BELGIUM: Elisabeth continues at Harvard, while Gabriel trains in France.

Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, 23, is thriving at Harvard University, where she began a Master’s in Public Policy in 2024. The future queen previously completed a degree in History and Politics at Lincoln College, Oxford, and is now enjoying a pivotal phase in her academic journey in Boston.

Her brother, Prince Gabriel, 22, and second in line to the throne, is pursuing a degree in Social and Military Sciences at the Royal Military Academy in Belgium, where he enrolled in 2022. He is currently on exchange in France at the Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan Military Academy, focusing on geopolitics and English.

Gabriel previously studied at the National Mathematics and Science School in Warwickshire and completed the International Baccalaureate at the International School of Brussels.

Princess Elisabeth of Belgium and Prince Gabriel of Belgium

Prince Emmanuel, 19, is beginning his university studies after taking time to explore his passions for sports and music. He is enrolled in International Business Management and Marketing at the University of Applied Sciences in Leuven, a hands-on program taught in English.

Princess Eléonore, 17, the youngest of the siblings, remains in Brussels and studies at the International School, where she is focused on English-language instruction. Previously, she attended Heilig-Hartcollege in Tervuren for her education in Dutch.

DENMARK: Christian is in military training, while Josephine chooses her own path.

Crown Prince Christian of Denmark, 19, is currently enrolled in a year-long Lieutenant Training Course following his initial military service completed between February and May. Afterward, he will take on the role of platoon leader in practical service.

His sister, Princess Isabella, 18, is entering her final year at Øregård Gymnasium. University plans are expected to follow after her 2026 graduation, and she may engage in volunteer work during her gap months.

Their younger siblings, twins Vincent and Josephine (14), are taking divergent paths. Vincent continues his education at Tranegård School, while Josephine has independently opted to attend a private boarding school far from Copenhagen, known for its modern and research-driven curriculum.

Prince Vincent of Denmark and Princess Josephine of Denmark

NETHERLANDS: Amalia shifts to law, while Alexia embraces civil engineering.

Princess Amalia of the Netherlands, eldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, graduated this July with a degree in Politics, Psychology, Law, and Economics (PPLE) from the University of Amsterdam. She now begins a new degree in Law, while also receiving military training.

Princess Alexia, who began studying Social Change Sciences at University College London in 2024, switched her major within the first semester. She’s now pursuing Civil Engineering, focusing on infrastructure. In a recent interview, she admitted to feeling homesick and keeps in close contact with her parents, saying, “Sometimes I call them twice a day.”

Youngest sister Ariane, who graduated with an International Baccalaureate from the United World College in Italy, may be considering a gap year before deciding on her next steps.

NORWAY: Ingrid Alexandra heads to Australia, while Sverre's future remains unclear.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, has relocated to Australia to begin a degree in Social Sciences, specializing in International Relations and Politics, at the University of Sydney. She resides at the prestigious St Andrew’s College and recently received a visit from her parents, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit.

Meanwhile, her half-brother, Prince Sverre Magnus, 19, has not yet revealed his academic plans. He recently completed a year of work in Trondheim, although further details remain private due to security concerns. Over the past year, he has begun to participate in official royal events, even appearing solo on several occasions.