King Philippe and Queen Mathilde's daughter, Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, graduated from Harvard University this week, and the palace took to social media to share photos of the momentous occasion.
Posing with her classmates and parents, who jetted to America to watch her receive her diploma, the young royal looked proud as she showed off her black and red cap and gown. While they remain the focal point of any graduation outfit, there tends to be a formal dress or suit layered underneath – and in Elisabeth's case, she chose two stunning summer dresses.
For the ceremony, the 24-year-old opted for a white summer dress from The Kooples, featuring a V-neck, long balloon sleeves, an elasticated waist and a sheer sun-pleated skirt with an asymmetric hem. While only the bottom of the skirt was visible in the photos, the dress was an elegant version of the 'naked' dress trend, which has been taking the red carpet by storm since 2025.
Instead of a fleeting trend, the underwear-as-outerwear sheer styled have graced several designers' runways, including Miu Miu’s autumn/winter 2025 collection.
While some choose more daring styles that blur the line between lingerie and evening wear, the style has slowly slipped into more mainstream fashion with more see-through skirts, lace detailing and delicate mesh.
For that reason, they have become the go-to for celebrities and royals alike, as they can be adapted to suit the likes of Princess Kate's stricter fashion rules that centre on modesty.
© AFP via Getty ImagesShe accessorised with slingbacks from The Koopes and Ray-Ban sunglasses, as identified by Royal Fashion Police.
© Photonews via Getty ImagesThe day before, Elizabeth attended the Harvard Kennedy School Awards Ceremony in a Maje Paris silk dress covered with delicate red flowers, which she paired with heels from the same designer and a 'Small Lady Dior Bag' from Dior in a deep burgundy colour.
Future plans
The Crown Princess may have only finished her Master's in Public Policy this week, but she has already got plans for the future.
The future Queen of Belgium will reportedly undertake a sailing trip across the Atlantic Ocean as part of a gap year, according to Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad.
© AFP via Getty ImagesSources told the paper that the project is "finalised", although some details are still in development. The planned route would take her from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean during November or December, outside of hurricane season.
Sailing instructor Piet Smet described the journey to the Belgian news agency: "It remains an adventure; nature plays with you. It requires character. I tell all my friends’ children: do it, it is a great experience, it commands respect."
