More than a century after Queen Victoria diligently arranged marriages for her descendants with members of ruling dynasties across Europe, a new royal alliance may be emerging on the continent. Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium and Prince Georg of Liechtenstein have become the center of attention. Their rumored romance, which drew notice after a single summer photograph surfaced, could become the first union in half a century between members of two reigning houses.
She is Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, destined to become the first fully sovereign queen in Belgian history. He is Prince Georg von und zu Liechtenstein, third in line to the throne of Europeβs wealthiest monarchy. Their possible relationship came to public attention thanks to a photograph taken this summer, reportedly in Greece. The Belgian royal court’s response to the image was rather unconvincing and only fueled interest.
If this relationship is confirmed and develops, it will mark a significant departure from the current trend where heirs to European thrones choose life partners from non-aristocratic backgrounds. Just recall King Felipe VI of Spain and journalist Letizia Ortiz, Swedenβs Crown Princess Victoria and her fitness instructor Daniel Westling, or King Frederik of Denmark and real estate agent Mary Donaldson. The last marriage between two members of reigning families was in 1982, when Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein wed Princess Margaretha of Luxembourg.
A photo of Elisabeth and George, in which the young couple appeared happy and stood very close together, spread rapidly across social media. The Belgian palace’s official press service only increased the intrigue with their comment. Court representatives said they had seen the picture, but could not confirm whether it was genuine or created by artificial intelligence. They stressed that they do not comment on private lives, thus not denying the possibility of a romantic relationship. For the Belgian heir, this is the first rumored romance to gain widespread publicity.
Princess Elisabeth has an outstanding education. After graduating from UWC Atlantic in Wales, where Spanish princesses also studied, she underwent military training, studied at Oxford, and is now pursuing a degree at the Harvard Kennedy School. Elisabeth, who is considered far more charismatic than her father, King Philippe, enjoys immense support and admiration from her compatriots. Back in 2024, the Belgian press noted that the monarchy is very fortunate to have such an heir, capable of breathing new life into this ancient institution.
As for Prince Georg, the head of his state is his grandfather, Prince Hans-Adam II, although since 2004, executive authority has been handed over to his son and Georgβs father, Alois. Unlike most European monarchies, the reigning prince in this wealthy Central European country holds significant constitutional power. Georg was educated at Malvern School in the United Kingdom and later attended university in Switzerland. He has worked in Germany and the USA without publicizing his title. The Liechtenstein family compensates for its low media profile with a colossal fortune. It is the only monarchy that owns its own bank, LGT Group, and their personal wealth is estimated at approximately 10.2 billion eurosβa stark contrast to the Belgian royal family’s fortune, which stands at around 20 million euros. Notably, Liechtensteinβs laws do not allow women to inherit the throne, so despite having an older sister, Georg is third in line for succession.
