Locals have complained after the Belgian Royal family parked on pavements at the University of Oxford graduation.
The royal cohort was in the city to celebrate the graduation of Crown Princess Elisabeth who had been based in England for three years.
Princess Elisabeth initially moved to Oxfordshire in the autumn of 2021 to commence her history and politics undergraduate course at Lincoln College.
The 22-year-old is next in line to the Belgian throne as she is the eldest of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium’s four children.
READ MORE: Future Belgian Queen to leave Oxford in favour of Harvard University
Despite the day being a momentous occasion for many including the young future monarch, Oxford locals were left unimpressed with the Belgian royal family’s parking.
Four black cars could be seen parked on Turl Street in the city centre with the vehicles covering the pavement and double yellow lines.
“The Belgium Royal Family Motorcade was parked blocking the Pavement yesterday afternoon in Turl Street whilst they attended the Ceremony,” said one infuriated resident.
“Did they get a ticket?”
READ MORE: Future Belgian Queen close with Oxford University student
It was revealed later in the week by Oxfordshire County Council that the royals had gained prior permission to park in the way that they did.
A spokesperson for the county council said: “These cars were Belgian Police force vehicles, working in association with Thames Valley Police.
“Dispensation from traffic regulation orders for security reasons was sought in advance and approved by our parking enforcement officers.”
The Oxford Mail then approached the Belgian Royal Palace about the issue following the graduation this week.
READ MORE: Future Belgian Queen’s ‘romance’ with student at Uni of Oxford could be over
A spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said: “Parking spots and security protocols have been agreed with local authorities and strictly followed.”
Thames Valley Police were also approached for information, but declined to comment.
Princess Elisabeth is not done with education just yet despite leaving Oxford as the Belgian Royal Palace announced last month that the royal would move to the United States.
A statement released from the Belgian Royal Palace said: “After having recently successfully completed the admission tests, Her Royal Highness Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, will begin a master's degree in public policy this summer at Harvard University (Harvard Kennedy School) in Boston.
READ MORE: Belgian Royal Palace issues statement on Oxford as Princess departs city
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“This two-year course will complete her university education following her bachelor's degree in History and Politics at the University of Oxford.”
Princess Elisabeth has enjoyed her time in Oxford having spent three years living and studying in the city.
The Belgian Royal Palace has now released a statement directly to the Oxford Mail on Princess Elisabeth's time in Oxford.
A spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said: “The Princess loved studying in Oxford and had a wonderful time in Lincoln College.”
READ MORE: Future Belgian Queen at University of Oxford meets Barack Obama
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