Belgian Prince Acknowledges Secret Adult Son

Prince Laurent of Belgium has officially recognized his 26-year-old son, Clément Vandenkerckhove, who was born before the prince's marriage. The legal acknowledgment took place before a civil registrar in February. Clément Vandenkerckhove is now a prince, though he will not have royal duties or be in line for the Belgian throne, according to constitutional law experts.

The son of Prince Laurent and former model Wendy Van Wanten, Clément's paternity was confirmed by the Belgian Royal Palace as a private matter. Prince Laurent also has three other children with his wife, Princess Claire. This acknowledgment follows Prince Laurent's public statement last September about his biological son, made out of respect for those involved.

Prince Laurent, sometimes called the 'cursed prince,' has had several public and legal challenges. In 2023, he sued the Belgian state for social security benefits, arguing royalty was akin to self-employment. Previously, he faced potential loss of stipend for unauthorized travel and had his endowment reduced for attending an event at the Chinese Embassy without permission.

This situation echoes a past royal paternity case in Belgium, where King Albert II eventually conceded paternity of artist Delphine Boël after a lengthy legal battle, leading to her becoming Princess Delphine.