Belgian Car Salesman Becomes Prince After Royal Parentage Confirmed
BBC News reports that Clément Vandenkerckhove, a 26-year-old former car salesman, has been legally recognized as the son and heir of Belgium’s Prince Laurent. This news comes after a quiet town hall ceremony six months ago, with details only recently emerging.
While Vandenkerckhove formally becomes a prince, he will not receive a royal allowance. He expressed his hesitation about adopting his father’s surname, stating, "I might want to do that, but I am proud of the name Vandenkerckhove."
This development is particularly significant as he will not be part of Belgium’s royal line of succession and won’t participate in public royal activities. His recognition stands in contrast to his half-siblings, Princess Louise, Prince Aymeric, and Prince Nicolas.
The story began when Vandenkerckhove met Prince Laurent unexpectedly in a shopping center in 2013, unaware of his identity. It wasn’t until he was 16 that his mother revealed the truth. After several phone calls, they finally met in person, leading to a DNA test that confirmed their relationship with a 99.5% match.
This case echoes a similar situation involving Prince Albert II of Belgium, who had a DNA test after a paternity scandal and eventually acknowledged his daughter, Delphine Boël, as his own.
Under Belgian law changes in 2013, only a select few royal family members are entitled to public allowances, including King Philippe, King Albert II, Prince Laurent, and Princess Astrid.
