Belgian Prince Gabriel transfers from public to private school

Prince Gabriel, the younger brother of Belgian princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, began classes at the International School of Brussels in Watermael-Bosvoorde today.

Prince Gabriel completed his primary education as well as the first four years of secondary school at the Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege just off Place de la Chapelle – a public, Dutch-language school with a strong, albeit slightly elitist reputation in central Brussels.

Belgian King Filip and Queen Mathilde decided to transfer their son to the English-language International School of Brussels so he would be able to complete the International Baccalaureate Programme, a degree recognised globally by international schools and the most competitive universities that is completed over the two final years of secondary school.

Eléonore, Gabriel and Elisabeth’s 11-year-old younger sister is the only child of the Belgian king and queen to continue to continue go to a public school. Princess Elisabeth – first in line for the throne – transferred from the Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege to the UWC Atlantic College in Wales in the UK last year. Prince Emmanuel attends Eureka Onderwijs, a privately funded school for children with learning disabilities in Leuven, Flemish Brabant.

Photo: Belga / Benoit Doppagne

Written by Linda A. Thompson