The public has been captivated through the centuries by the intellectual prowess of royalty. Everyone wants to know who the smartest guy in the room is. The recent conversations bring to the front a few significant figures from royal history. Prominent among them are Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Catharina-Amalia, and the King of Spain, Felipe. Their academic achievements and contributions to society illustrate the diverse ways in which they have navigated their royal duties and personal interests.
Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for more than 70 years, was famous for her humor and political (and diplomatic) skills. She possessed a remarkable ability to engage with diplomats personally, demonstrating her high literacy and fluency in several languages, including French, Italian, Spanish, Latin, and Greek. Her education, of course, was deliberately tailored to her eventual position as sovereign. constitutional history as a pupil of Henry Marten, the vice provost of Eton. Her preparation allowed her to dig into the complexities of her role without breaking a sweat. Despite this, she had a great sense of humor that made her very popular with people.
Beyond her linguistic ability, Queen Elizabeth II’s grasp of the political world was deep. Her one-liners and jibes never failed in their jocularity, while at the same time hinting at her prescient understanding of the complexities underpinning international statecraft. During her tenure, she deftly calmed the stormy diplomatic seas, often with poise. It’s no wonder that this extraordinary talent helped raise her to one of history’s brainiest royals.
Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands has made notable academic advances. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics (PPLE) at the University of Amsterdam. This extensive academic experience provides her with a unique arsenal of tools essential for tackling complicated social problems. Next year she will study Dutch law at the same university. She will balance military work with her academic pursuits, which speaks to her commitment not just to academic excellence, but to civic duty.
Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, shows a solid academic background. Her diploma came from Oxford University, one of the most elite educational institutions in the world, famous for its competitive academics. Her education places her as one of the most educated intellectual elite members of European royalty.
Of all five monarchs, King Felipe of Spain has the most stellar educational credentials. He earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. He went to the private school system in Canada, prior to going on to the Sorbonne in France and then to Cambridge University in the UK. It’s his varied academic experiences that make Tapscott so equipped to engage with the world’s leaders.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who recently announced her abdication after 52 years on the throne, has pursued creative endeavors alongside her royal duties. She is recognized for her phenomenal artistic creativity. She has illustrated more than 30 books and exhibited her original art in museums throughout Denmark and internationally. This mix of creativity and intellect is yet another testament to the complex nature of royal education.
Typically, royal family members are proud to display their academic accomplishments from a young age. Case in point, Princess Eugenie got 2 A*s, 4 As and 3 Bs in her GCSEs. Her grades in Art and English Literature where she especially excelled highlighted her talents through creative subjects.
Princess Beatrice’s all-rounder approach helped her out academically as she scored an A, B, and C at A-level. Her willingness to be versatile is indicative of a larger promise to invest in a multi-dimensional education.
In addition to that hefty royal pedigree, Princess Kate Middleton boasts an impressive educational pedigree. She had completed 11 GCSEs at Marlborough College. In school, thereafter, she was able to go on and secure the two A grades in A level Maths and Art, and a B in English. Once at St Andrews University, she honed her craft and expertise.
The legacy of intellectualism amongst royals runs deep in historical precedent. It stretches as far back as to legends like Alfred the Great, who first established the blueprints of a united England. His commitment to education is evident in his desire “to set to learning all the free-born young men now in England who have the means to apply themselves to it.” Education was an important cornerstone of many historical royal families, and this influence can still be felt today.
