Belgium’s Prince Gabriel makes first solo outing after mother becomes unavailable

While Prince Gabriel is second in line to the Belgian throne, the young royal hasn’t made any solo outings, instead always appearing with one of his parents or siblings.

The royal has instead been focusing on his studies and military training, which included a five-month course in France. However, on Friday, Gabriel made his first solo outing, filling in for his mother, Queen Mathilde, who was returning from the United States following Princess Elisabeth’s graduation.

Gabriel was seen in the royal box at the Henry Le Bœuf Hall for the penultimate evening of the Queen Elisabeth Music Competition. He watched several musicians playing in a bid to reach the final of the competition, which will be held on Saturday evening.

Gabriel’s first solo outing comes at a pivotal time of his life, with the young royal only having one exam left before he officially completes his studies at the Royal Military Academy.

After his graduation, he doesn’t have to step into royal duties as laws passed following his father, King Philippe’s accession to the throne means that only the heir to the throne is required to undertake any official duties.

Elisabeth’s graduation

All eyes were on Gabriel’s older sister this week as she graduated from Harvard. 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.

For the ceremony, the 24-year-old opted for a white summer dress, featuring a V-neck, long balloon sleeves, an elasticated waist and a sheer sun-pleated skirt with an asymmetric hem. The day before, Elisabeth attended the Harvard Kennedy School Awards Ceremony in a silk dress covered with delicate red flowers, which she paired with heels and a burgundy bag.

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When she graduated, she opted not to use her royal title, and was instead called up to receive her diploma with the name “Elisabeth de Saxe-Cobourg”.

According to Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad, the Princess is considering taking a gap year after her hard work over the past two years.

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Sources 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.