Princess Elisabeth of Belgium has had an exceptionally eventful year. The year started with her graduation from Lincoln College, Oxford, where she earned her Bachelor of History and Politics. After her studies, she did not retreat from public life; rather, she showcased her growing sense of style and responsibility as heir to the Belgian throne.
Notably, she attended Belgium’s National Day celebrations wearing a vibrant pink midi-dress from Safiyaa, marked by its elegant shoulder cape and flattering draping. Her rising fashion sense has continued to serve her well, from the bold blue tuxedo-style blazer and trousers she wore meeting former U.S. President Barack Obama at Laeken Castle to laid-back, relaxed looks captured by photographs for her 23rd birthday—an impressive portrayal of her development as she also embarks on her Master’s degree at Harvard.
While Princess Elisabeth was making headlines, another significant event took place just months later. Pope Francis visited Belgium during celebrations commemorated alongside the 600th anniversary of Catholic universities Leuven and Louvain-la-Neuve. His arrival drew large crowds amid celebrations and also sparked intense discussions around some sensitive topics, particularly around his remarks on abortion. During his press conference, the Pope described abortion as "homicide" and made pointed references to doctors performing the procedure as "contract killers." These comments quickly garnered critique from Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who labeled the remarks as "absolutely unacceptable," stirring public debate about the separation of church and state, particularly as secular attitudes grow more prevalent.
November continued to highlight Princess Elisabeth’s growing role within the royal family. Her participation at events, such as the international Olympic gathering and casual family portraits, reinforced her prominence as the Duchess of Brabant. Her sophisticated yet accessible fashion choices have not only captured the public’s attention but also seem to reflect her maturity and engagement with her royal duties.
Pope Francis's visit to the Catholic universities, which focused on renewing Catholic engagement, also seemed to resonate with the sentiment of upcoming generations, even as it rekindled old debates surrounding the church doctrine. His presiding over large gatherings, particularly emphasized by attendance numbers at his Mass—where approximately 100,000 show up—is indicative of the enduring appeal the Papacy holds for some, even amid rising criticism.
The backdrop of these events reveals much about the challenges and changes both the Belgian monarchy and the Catholic Church face. Princess Elisabeth, with her poised presence and modern approach, demonstrates the evolution of royal responsibilities, particularly as she embraces her education and increasingly engages with contemporary issues such as climate change through her studies at Harvard.
Pope Francis, similarly, finds himself at the forefront of discussion around the role of the Catholic Church within modern society. By advocating for interfaith collaboration and addressing global crises, he seeks to reinforce the relevance of faith amid secular dialogue, confronting challenges presented by societal changes head-on.
Throughout 2024, Belgium has seen significant dialogue generated by both the actions of its royal family and the papal visit, underscoring the importance of these figures within the cultural and religious fabric of the nation. They represent, explicitly and implicitly, the conversations held within Belgium surrounding identity, faith, and the role of tradition within modernity—a truly remarkable balancing act.
Princess Elisabeth's poised navigation of both fashion and royal duties encapsulates the modern monarchy’s multifaceted responsibilities, mirroring the global stage on which figures like Pope Francis operate. Each continues to leave their mark on society, prompting discussions on values, responsibilities, and how they fit against the backdrop of changing global narratives. Their stories intertwine uniquely, showcasing how tradition and modernity can coexist and push forward collective sentiment within Belgian society.
Indeed, as we approach the new year, one can only speculate about the pervading influence of these figures and how their paths may evolve, particularly against the backdrop of upcoming public engagements, responsibilities, and dialogues within Belgium.
