Prince Emmanuel of Belgium has withdrawn from his university course just three months after beginning his studies, opting instead to pursue a more practical route in business education.
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The 20-year-old, who is third in line to the Belgian throne, had enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in International Business Management and Marketing at UCLL University College last September. However, after completing his first semester and sitting exams in January, he chose not to return for the remainder of the academic year.
The Belgian Royal Palace has confirmed that Prince Emmanuel will now begin a French-language business development course at ISTEC in Brussels. The programme places greater emphasis on practical experience, including internships, and is not expected to delay his overall studies.
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Relocating to Brussels will also bring the prince closer to home, as the city is the site of Laeken Castle, the official residence of the royal family. No formal reason has been given for the change in direction. However, Prince Emmanuel has previously spoken about living with dyslexia and, during his school years, attended a specialist institution designed to support students with learning differences.
He completed his International Baccalaureate in 2020 and has since taken part in voluntary work supporting vulnerable communities.
Prince Emmanuel is the youngest son of King Philippe of Belgium and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. His elder sister, Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, is the heir apparent and is expected to become the country’s first reigning queen. She is currently studying at Harvard University.
The Belgian royal family has remained active on the international stage. Recently, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde undertook a state visit to Norway, where they attended official engagements alongside King Harald V of Norway, Queen Sonja of Norway and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway.
