Prince Emmanuel of Belgium, 20, quietly leaves his university studies after three months

Prince Emmanuel of Belgium has dropped out of university just three months after beginning his studies. 

The 20-year-old royal, who is third in line to the throne, was studying for a bachelor's degree in International Business Management and Marketing at the UCLL University College in Leuven. The course began in September. 

However, the youngest son of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde has changed direction after just one semester at the institution. 

Instead, he is starting a French-language business development course at ISTEC in Brussels, the Royal Palace confirmed to HLN. It's understood he did not return for the second semester, but did take his exams in January as planned. 

His new course is more practical, focusing on work experience and offering internships, and won't delay completion of his studies. ISTEC offers a variety of "work-study" programmes and also provides three-year-long courses. Brussels is also home to Laeken Castle, the royal family's official residence, meaning he will now be closer to family.  

Prince Emmanuel's education

The reason for his departure has not been confirmed by the palace, though Emmanuel is known to have dyslexia. When he was growing up, he changed schools to attend the Eureka School in Kessel-Lo, Leuven, in 2012, a private centre that supports students with learning difficulties, including dyslexia. 

According to the school's website, Eureka Education is "a non-profit organisation with a social purpose" that gives new opportunities to gifted students with learning disabilities. 

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Emmanuel completed his International Baccalaureate (IB) in 2020, and completed volunteering work helping vulnerable people. 

The Belgian royal family 

Emmanuel's older sister, Princess Elisabeth, 24, will one day be Queen of the Belgians. He also has an older brother, Prince Gabriel, 22, and a younger sister, Princess Eléonore, 17. 

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Elisabeth is the heir to the throne, and once she becomes monarch, she will be Belgium's first-ever Queen regnant. She is currently studying at Harvard University in the US. Philippe became king in 2013 following his father, King Albert's, abdication for health reasons.

Last week, he joined his wife, Queen Mathilde, to pay a state visit to Norway, taking part in a glamorous state banquet with King Harald, Queen Sonja, and Crown Prince Haakon.