Elisabeth of Belgium isn’t the only princess currently studying in the United States. The heir to the throne is pursuing a master’s degree at Harvard University to complete her education, which is essential for her future role as Queen. However, the Duchess of Brabant is not alone in North America. Her cousin, Princess Luisa Maria, has also decided to return to university in Pennsylvania at almost 30 years old to further enhance her already impressive résumé.
Luisa Maria is the fourth of five children of Princess Astrid (King Philippe’s sister) and Prince Lorenz. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the prestigious McGill University and a Law degree from BPP University in London, the Princess has moved to Philadelphia to pursue an MBA (Master of Business Administration) at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
This is one of the most prestigious international programs in business management, an MBA also pursued by Donald Trump 59 years ago, as reported by the Belgian outlet Sudinfo.
This MBA program has been ranked the best in the world by the Financial Times. What stands out is that the Princess has chosen to return to school at this stage, a decision likely motivated by a desire to give a new boost to her professional career as Vice President at Innesto Partners, an investment fund founded by her brother, Prince Joachim.
Prince Joachim also studied for an MBA at Harvard, the same university where his cousin, Crown Princess Elisabeth, is currently enrolled.
Before embarking on this new chapter, Princess Luisa Maria worked in the financial sector at two major American law firms, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher and Sidley Austin, both in London, where she specialized in private equity, mergers, and acquisitions.
Her return to academia not only reflects a strong personal commitment to lifelong learning but also shows a broader trend among younger European royals who are blending traditional roles with modern professional ambitions.
By pursuing advanced education and gaining real-world experience in global finance, Princess Luisa Maria is helping to redefine what it means to be a royal in the 21st century, balancing duty and discretion with ambition and adaptability.
Her move also reinforces the Belgian royal family’s emphasis on education and public service, values that continue to shape the next generation of its members.