The future Queen of Belgium signs up to military academy

Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium has just turned 18 but already, she has clear plans for her future.

The young princess has signed up to the Royal Military Academy in Belgium and will begin there in September this year.

Elisabeth is following in the footsteps of her father, King Philippe, who attended the academy from 1978 until 1981.

The Royal Military Academy is the military university in Belgium, offering education for officers wishing to serve in defence including the army, the air force, the navy, and medical service.

As the eldest child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Princess Elisabeth is the heir apparent to the Belgian throne. She acquired the position after her grandfather King Albert II abdicated in favour of her father on 21 July 2013.

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Elisabeth previously studied at UWC Atlantic College in Wales. She returned to Belgium in March ahead of the coronavirus lockdown.

In October 2019, Elisabeth celebrated her 18th birthday at a party at the Royal Palace in Brussels alongside relatives, politicians and 80 teenagers who share her 2001 birth year. "These 18 years have been filled with many rewarding moments that have made me the person I am today," the Crown Princess said in a televised speech.

"My family has always been there to support and encourage me. Together we are a strong team," Elisabeth said in honour of younger siblings Gabriel, 16, Emmanuel, 14, and Eléonore, 12.

To her parents she said: "Thanks mama for your presence and your listening ear. Thanks dad for your trust. I know I can always count on you."