started · updated
Prince Laurent of Belgium recognizes son Clément as a member of the royal family
Prince Laurent of Belgium has formally and legally recognized 26-year-old Clément Vandenkerckhove as his son. The recognition, which was finalized during a civil ceremony at a town hall approximately six months ago, has only recently become public knowledge.
Vandenkerckhove, a former car salesman, is the son of Prince Laurent and Belgian singer Wendy Van Wanten (born Iris Vandenkerckhove). The two had a relationship in the 1990s before the Prince married Princess Claire in 2003. Vandenkerckhove learned of his biological father's identity at age 16 and later initiated contact, leading to a DNA test that confirmed a 99.5 percent match.
While the recognition grants Vandenkerckhove the title of Prince and equal inheritance rights to Prince Laurent’s private estate, he will not hold an official public role, receive a royal allowance, or enter the Belgian line of succession. He has expressed pride in his current surname but remains undecided on whether to adopt the Saxe-Coburg family name.
Entities
Belgian Royal Family · Clément Vandenkerckhove · Iris Vandenkerckhove · King Philippe of Belgium · Prince Laurent of Belgium · Wendy Van Wanten
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Belgian Constitution allows grandchildren of King Albert II to hold the title of Prince of Belgium, subject to a royal decree. www.nouveau.nl · www.gazetebirlik.com · nos.nl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Due to strict succession laws, Clément will not be included in the line of succession to the Belgian throne. www.gazetebirlik.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Clément expressed a desire to keep his mother's surname, potentially using it as a double name. nos.nl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Clément will not receive a state allowance or financial endowment. www.nouveau.nl · nos.nl
- [● 3 SOURCES] Prince Laurent has officially recognized his 26-year-old son, Clément Vandenkerckhove, in the civil registry. www.nouveau.nl · www.gazetebirlik.com · nos.nl