Princess Elisabeth beams in birthday photos ahead of milestone year

Princess Elisabeth showcased her love for Belgian fashion as she posed for new portraits to celebrate her 22^nd birthday on Wednesday.

The eldest daughter of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde wore a black semi-sheer embellished blouse by Belgian fashion designer Dries Van Noten in the new snaps taken by Bas Bogaerts at the Palace of Laeken in Brussels.

Elisabeth teamed the beaded silk top with a pair of high-waisted trousers. She kept her accessories minimal, adding finishing touches with a pair of silver drop earrings.

Her blonde tresses were styled in loose waves and she opted for smokey eye makeup and a sweep of eyeliner.

The princess’ birthday comes as she begins a very important milestone – the final year of her degree course.

Elisabeth began studying history and politics at Lincoln College at the University of Oxford in October 2021 and is set to finish her course in spring 2024.

After completing a two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma at UWC Atlantic College in May 2020, she underwent a year of military training.

© Bas Bogaerts

For the last two years, Elisabeth has attended the Royal Military Academy's annual three-week summer camps.

Last month she took the officers’ oath and received the commissioned rank of second lieutenant.

Elisabeth was among the European princesses to attend Prince Christian of Denmark’s 18th birthday in Copenhagen on 15 October.

© Shutterstock

She wowed in a champagne-hued strapless gown by Belgian couture label Natan, along with the Wolfers Tiara, which once belonged to her late great-aunt, Queen Fabiola.

© EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The royal was pictured arriving at the bash with fellow future queen, Princess Catharina-Amalia of The Netherlands.

Learn more about the future kings and queens in the clip below...

Elisabeth was seated next to Prince Christian’s cousin, Count Felix – son of Prince Joachim and his former wife Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg.

The princess also has three younger siblings – Prince Gabriel, 20, Prince Emmanuel, 18, and Princess Eleonore, 15.

© Getty

Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant was born on 25 October 2001 at the Erasmus Hospital in Brussels.

She became heir to the Belgian throne upon her father King Phillipe’s accession in July 2013, following King Albert II’s abdication.

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