Princess Eléonore of Belgium, the youngest daughter of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, celebrated her 18th birthday on April 16, 2026. The Belgian royal family marked the milestone by sharing stunning photographs of the princess on their official social media accounts. In the images, Princess Eléonore wore a Hollywood-style black dress complemented by a white floor-length shawl draped elegantly over her shoulder.
Who Is Princess Eléonore?
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde have been the reigning monarchs of Belgium since July 21, 2013, following the abdication of King Albert II due to health reasons. The couple married on December 4, 1999, and have four children: Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eléonore. As the youngest member of the royal household, Princess Eléonore is still a student and rarely appears at official engagements.
Born on April 16, 2008, she was baptized in the chapel of Ciergnon Castle in the Ardennes. Her godparents include Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Princess Claire of Belgium.
Education and Interests
Princess Eléonore studied at St John Berchmans College in Brussels before transferring to Heilig Hart College in Wezembeek-Oppem, where she was educated in Dutch. In 2023, she enrolled at the International School of Brussels. She is fluent in English, French, and Dutch. A keen violinist, her hobbies include skiing, sailing, and playing tennis. In her spare time, she regularly volunteers to support vulnerable people. During the coronavirus pandemic, she had conversations with isolated elderly individuals over the phone and baked for the homeless.
Line of Succession
Currently, Princess Eléonore is preceded in the line of succession by her elder sister Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, who is the heir apparent.
Her birthday coincided with the week her father turned 66. The duo recreated a throwback photograph taken 10 years ago outside their home in Laeken, highlighting how much the princess has grown.
Unlike other young royals around the world, Princess Eléonore has maintained a quiet life away from public scrutiny. She has grown up with poise and awareness of her stature, and it remains to be seen how she will develop in the future.
