Prince Gabriel: First Professional Soldier of Belgian Royals
Prince Gabriel of Belgium, 22, is poised to make history as the first professional military member of the Belgian royal family following a landmark law change approved by the Council of Ministers on May 22, 2026. The second child of King Filip and Queen Mathilde, and second in line to the throne after Crown Princess Elisabeth, Gabriel is in his final master’s year at the Royal Military School (KMS) in Brussels and is expected to graduate at the end of June.
A Historic Break with Tradition
The Belgian monarchy has a long-standing tradition of military education, rooted in the constitution which designates the King as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Kings Leopold I, Albert I, and Baudouin all strengthened this tradition, and King Filip himself completed training at KMS. However, none have ever served as a paid, professional soldier — until now.
According to Het Laatste Nieuws, Defense Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) submitted a preliminary draft law that modifies the statutory framework of the armed forces to allow members of the royal family who do not receive a state allowance (dotatie) to hold a paid job in the military. Only the King, Queen, and heir to the throne receive this annual stipend, meaning Gabriel — like other non-heir royals — must provide for his own income.
Well-informed sources emphasize that the rules are not being changed specifically for Gabriel, but apply more generally to the new generation of princes who do not receive a dotatie and thus need to find employment.
Gabriel’s Rigorous Military Training
Prince Gabriel began his studies at the Royal Military School in mid-2022 as a Dutch-speaking student under the name “Van Saksen-Coburg.” Former Lieutenant-Colonel Isabel Vanhavermaet, who supervised first-year students at KMS, told VRT NWS that “he distinguished himself immediately through his commitment and discipline. He was quickly integrated into his platoon.”
Gabriel completed a five-month exchange at the prestigious Saint-Cyr military academy in Brittany, France, studying geopolitics in English. His training has taken him to some of the world’s most demanding environments: he spent two weeks training with the French Foreign Legion in the Amazon rainforest and went on winter camp in the Moroccan desert earlier this year. He also earned his parachutist badge with a jump above Mont Saint-Michel after a three-week training course in Pau, France.
In a rare interview a year and a half ago, Gabriel said: “Military life suits me well.” When asked about his professional future, he described it as “an option,” adding that his parents advised him to “work hard, take it step by step, without setting the bar too high or rushing things. And above all: stay humble.”
Queen Mathilde admitted to having many sleepless nights, particularly worrying about Gabriel’s drive to push his limits — especially when he had to jump from an airplane.
The Oath and What Comes Next
Gabriel took the oath as an officer in September 2025, attended by King Filip, Queen Mathilde, and Princess Eléonore, as reported by VRT NWS. He is now in the final phase of his master’s program in Social and Military Sciences, completing exams and his thesis.
The Royal Palace has stated it will not communicate about Gabriel’s future plans until after his graduation in late June 2026. However, insiders say it is an open secret that he wants to become a professional officer.
A Complex Role in the Royal Family
As second in line to the throne, Gabriel occupies a unique position. While Crown Princess Elisabeth has been prepared for the throne since birth, Gabriel serves as the “reserve” — if anything were to happen to Elisabeth, he would need to ensure the continuation of the monarchy. He is being prepared to become the adjutant of the future Queen.
According to the Belgian Monarchy’s official website, Gabriel speaks fluent Dutch, French, and English. Beyond his military pursuits, he has been an active volunteer, supporting isolated elderly people during the COVID-19 pandemic and working with people with disabilities. He was also heavily involved in scouting from age eight, serving as a patrol leader in later years.
A Precedent for European Monarchies?
This development marks a significant modernization of the Belgian monarchy, reflecting a broader trend where younger royals without state allowances pursue conventional careers. As other European monarchies grapple with similar questions about the role and funding of royal families, Belgium’s approach may serve as a model for comparable changes elsewhere.
The Dutch news outlet RTL noted that the law change opens the door not just for Gabriel but for future generations of royals who wish to serve their country through military service.
What to Watch For
Key questions remain: What specific role will Gabriel take in the military? Will he serve in a Dutch-speaking or French-speaking unit? Could he be deployed on foreign missions — a possibility that would raise questions about royal security and protocol? And how will his military career balance with his responsibilities as second in line to the throne?
The answers will likely emerge after his graduation in late June, when the Royal Palace is expected to formally announce his plans. For now, Prince Gabriel stands at the threshold of a historic career — one that combines royal duty with professional military service in a way never seen before in Belgian history.