Next in line: How Europe's future queens are getting ready to rule

Europe currently doesn't have a queen.

After Britain's Elizabeth II passed away in 2022, and Denmark's Queen Margrethe gave up the throne last year, all of the continent's 12 monarchies are now ruled by men.

But that may soon change. From Spain to the Netherlands, a new generation of crown princesses is waiting in the wings.

It may be years - perhaps even decades - before they take the throne, depending largely on how long their fathers continue to enjoy the perks of royal life.

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In the meantime, these future queens are anything but idle.

Whether training with the military or studying at Harvard, here's a glimpse into how they're preparing for the crown.

History maker: Princess Elisabeth of Belgium

Among Europe's youngest queens-in-waiting, Belgium's 23-year-old Elisabeth is the first-born child of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.

She is set to become the first woman in the country's history to ascend the throne, following a change in the succession law in 1991.

After finishing high school, Elisabeth completed a bachelor's degree at Oxford University in England, before moving to the US to undertake a Public Policy master's degree at Harvard University.

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But her studies now face uncertainty following the Trump administration's announcement that it will bar foreign students from attending the Ivy League school - amid allegations it fosters anti-Semitism.

The Belgian palace has said it is looking into what effects the developments might have on the princess's plans to graduate in May 2026.

Before attending university, Elisabeth completed a two-year training at the Royal Military Academy in Brussels.

While Belgian royals are not obligated to do military training, a future queen has to be able, "at least symbolically," to take up arms at any time to defend her country, says royal expert Thomas de Bergeyck from broadcaster RTL.

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According to the Belgian royal house, Elisabeth likes to ski, row and sail. She plays the piano and speaks several languages, including Dutch, French, German and English.

Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange

The Dutch heir apparent Catharina-Amalia, 21, is the eldest child of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.

Like Elisabeth, she currently attends university, pursuing a politics and economics bachelor's degree in Amsterdam.

After facing security threats that forced her to temporarily relocate to Madrid and continue her studies online, Amalia has since returned to Amsterdam, where she now lives in a shared apartment.

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Amalia joined the Netherlands' Council of State on her 18th birthday, as is customary for the heir to the throne.

While young royals like Amalia take on fewer public duties than high-profile figures such as Britain's Prince William and Princess Kate, she occasionally joins official events hosted by her parents.

She recently attended a royal dinner held on the sidelines of the NATO leaders summit in The Hague.

In her free time, Amalia enjoys horse riding, tennis and singing, according to the royal palace.

Leonor, crown princess of Spain

The youngest future queen, Spain's heir apparent Leonor - officially the Princess of Asturias - was born in 2005 to King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. She is set to become the country's first female head of state since 1868.

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After graduating from high school, Leonor began three years of army, naval and air force training to prepare for her role of commander-in-chief, a duty that comes with the position of head of state.

Described by Spanish media as both dreamy and somewhat shy, Leonor is also known for being level-headed, prudent and well-organized. Her hobbies include volleyball and ballet.

Europe's next queen?

Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria is poised to become Europe's next queen, partly due to her father's advancing age.

Born in 1977, Victoria has long been comfortable on the international stage, travelling extensively both for her royal duties and her personal interest in crisis and conflict management.

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She studied French in France before attending Yale University in the United States, where she focused on history and political science.

Afterwards, she returned to Sweden to take courses in conflict resolution and international peace promotion at Uppsala University.

In addition to completing basic military training, Victoria has pursued programs in government policy, agriculture and forestry.

She married her former personal trainer, Daniel Westling, in 2010, and the couple have two children - Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar.

According to the royal palace, Victoria enjoys spending time in nature, walking and skiing.

What's the wait?

Unlike in previous centuries - and unlike the tradition in Britain - today's European monarchs are increasingly choosing to abdicate before their passing, notes royal expert Thomas de Bergeyck.

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Most recently, Denmark's Queen Margrethe II abdicated in January 2024, paving the way for King Frederik X to take the throne.

Meanwhile, Elisabeth's father, Philippe of Belgium, recently said he does not feel ready to retire, in a video posted on the palace website.

"I don't feel like a pensioner. Do I look like a pensioner to you?" Philippe, 65, said in response to citizens asking him questions.

Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium (l) at a ceremony at the Royal Military Academy in Brussels. Dirk Waem/Belga/dpaSpanish Crown Princess Leonor takes part in a naval exercise aboard the training ship "Juan Sebastián Elcano." Lorena Sopêna/EUROPA PRESS/dpaCrown Princess Victoria of Sweden is likely to become Europe's next queen due to her father's slightly more advanced age. Arne Dedert/dpa