Prince Gabriel marked a major milestone as he was joined by the Belgian royal family for his military graduation on Thursday.
The royal, 23, was accompanied by his proud parents, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, as well as older sister Crown Princess Elisabeth, as he received his degree in Social and Military Sciences from the Royal Military Academy.
Dressed in military uniform, he participated in a moving ceremony after three years of training in Brussels, shaking hands with his father, the King.
Graduates from the 176th Polytechnic Class, the 162nd Class in Social and Military Sciences, and various classes from the Special Division were honoured during the ceremony.
© Photonews via Getty ImagesKing Philippe and Princess Elisabeth both wore their official uniforms, displaying their titles within the Belgian army.
Elisabeth, 24, previously graduated from the Royal Military Academy in 2023, before going on to study at Oxford and Harvard universities.
Gabriel also has two younger siblings, Prince Emmanuel, 20, and Princess Eleonore, 18.
What will Prince Gabriel do next?
The royal palace announced that Prince Gabriel will join the armed forces professionally – the first in his family to be able to do so.
He will train at the Infantry School in Arlon, where he will learn how to command an infantry platoon. Next, he will undergo paratrooper training in Marche-les-Dames and Schaffen.
© Photonews via Getty ImagesUntil recently, the law did not allow members of the Belgian royal family to pursue a paid professional military career.
However, last May, the Council of Ministers approved a legal amendment so they can dedicate themselves to the armed forces and receive a salary.
A post by the royal house on social media, translated to English, announced: "Today, Prince Gabriel obtains his master's degree in Social and Military Sciences at the @royalmilitaryacademybelgium.
"His trajectory in Defence continues at the Infantry School in Arlon. There, he will be trained as an infantry platoon commander. Subsequently, he will take the paracommando training in Marche-les-Dames and Schaffen."
Paying tribute to King Harald
Sadly, Gabriel's milestone was overshadowed by a tumultuous time for the European royals, as it followed the worsening health of King Harald of Norway, who passed away on Friday morning.
In a statement alongside a black-and-white picture of Harald and King Philippe, the Belgian Royal Palace said: "It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway.
"As Europe's oldest reigning monarch, he was, above all, a King who remained close to his people. His humour, humanity and sincerity made him a truly special man, held in the highest esteem and dear to so many.
"Generations of Norwegians grew up with him. For decades, he was a familiar and reassuring presence, a beacon of stability for his country. He fulfilled his role with unwavering dedication, loyalty and dignity.
"Our family ties gave our relationship a dimension that went far beyond the scope of our official duties. We will cherish the memory of the moments we shared with him."
Harald's son is now King Haakon VIII of Norway, while his daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is heir to the throne.
