Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
The Belgian Royal Family gathered to see Crown Princess Elisabeth, the Duchess of Brabant, the Heiress to the Belgian Throne, sworn-in to the Rank of Second Lieutenant or Ensign Second Class in the Belgian Army at the Royal Military Academy in Brussels on September 26th. The Duchess of Brabant completed her training year at the Royal Military Academy in 2021 and is currently a student at Lincoln College in Oxford University.
✌️ “Ik zweer getrouwheid aan de Koning, gehoorzaamheid aan de Grondwet en aan de wetten van het Belgische volk” pic.twitter.com/gdIn5vJmHt
— Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) September 26, 2023
The Duchess of Brabant was sworn in as officer by taking the oath in the 3 official languages, Dutch, French and German:
“I swear loyalty to the King, obedience to the Constitution and the laws of the Belgian people.”
Time for the parade! Belgian Crown Princess Elisabeth, 21, is sworn in as officer.
Do you recognize the guy on the left in the front row? Elisabeth’s brother Prince Gabriël, 20.
Officer Apprentice Van Saksen-Coburg is 2nd-year student at the Royal Military Academy. pic.twitter.com/1VivGd5udx
— [Wim Dehandschutter] (@WDehandschutter) September 26, 2023
Following the swearing-in, the Duchess of Brabant took part in a Parade, followed by her brother, Prince Gabriel, who is in his second year at the Royal Military Academy.
Family picture! Belgian Crown Princess Elisabeth, 21, is sworn in as officer at the Royal Military Academy in Brussels.
In attendance of her parents King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and her siblings Gabriël (2nd-year student Academy), Emmanuel and Eléonore. pic.twitter.com/sDBhvaPXvQ
— [Wim Dehandschutter] (@WDehandschutter) September 26, 2023
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium were joined by Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eléonore to watch the Duchess of Brabant and Prince Gabriel.
The Princess is following in the footsteps of her ancestors: Prince Leopold (the future King Leopold II) who took the oath on December 16, 1852, Prince Albert (the future King Albert I) who took the oath on December 17, 1892, Prince Leopold (the future King Leopold III) who took the oath on January 9, 1923, Prince Albert (the future King Albert II) who took the oath on May 18, 1953 and Prince Philipe (the current King) who took the oath on September 26, 1980.