Recognition and Ceremony
In a private town hall ceremony six months ago, Belgium's Prince Laurent officially recognized his son, Clément Vandenkerckhove, a former car salesperson aged 26. This acknowledgment confirms Vandenkerckhove's royal lineage, as he is the offspring of Laurent's previous relationship with Belgian singer Wendy Van Wanten, whose birth name is Iris Vandenkerckhove. Despite the ceremony occurring half a year ago, the news has only recently come to light.[S1]
While he now holds the title of prince, Vandenkerckhove will not receive a royal allowance. He is also excluded from the line of succession, unlike his half-siblings Princess Louise, Prince Aymeric, and Prince Nicolas. Additionally, he will not participate in official royal duties.[S1]
Discovery and DNA Test
Vandenkerckhove's journey to discovering his royal father began unexpectedly. In 2013, he met Prince Laurent at a shopping center without knowing who he was. His mother revealed his father's identity when he was 16. Four years later, he gathered the courage to call Laurent, and after several conversations, they met in person. Laurent then suggested a DNA test.[S1]
Laurent and Vandenkerckhove visited the hospital as a pair, with Laurent volunteering to undergo testing first to reassure his son. The lab subsequently sent an email confirming a 99.5% DNA match. Vandenkerckhove has had ample time to process the concept of his royal paternity and has recently voiced doubts about adopting the Saxe-Coburg name, expressing pride in his existing surname.[S1]
Family Precedent
This situation mirrors that of Laurent's father, former King Albert II, who faced a lengthy paternity battle. In 2020, Albert admitted to fathering a daughter during an affair and eventually recognized her. The scandal contributed to his abdication in 2013. Delphine Boël, the daughter, won her court case and now uses the title Princess Delphine de Saxe-Coburg.[S1]
Changes to Belgian law in 2013 limited public allowances to a few royals: King Philippe, King Albert II, Prince Laurent, and Princess Astrid. Vandenkerckhove, despite his new title, will not be among them.[S1]
