The princess's return to Harvard was briefly clouded by a U.S. visa ban that would have affected foreign students; a federal judge blocked the measure, allowing her to complete her studies. Reports say she declined special royal treatment during the process and is planning a post-commencement gap year, including a transatlantic sailing trip.
As heir apparent and Duchess of Brabant, Elisabeth is widely expected to succeed her father, positioning her to become Belgium's first queen regnant should she take the throne.