The son of Belgian Prince Laurent formally became a prince at the age of 26
Belgian Prince Laurent legally recognized his 26-year-old son, Clément Vandenkerkove, who subsequently became a prince in name. According to ABC News Australia, the ceremony at City Hall took place about six months ago, but the details have only now come to light.
The Belgian weekly Soir Mag was the first to report on the official recognition. The publication noted that following the change in his legal status, Vandenkerkove may receive an equal share of his father’s inheritance. At the same time, according to the BBC, the new prince will not receive a royal allowance.
Vandenkerkove told Soir Mag that what matters most to him is not the legal technicalities, but the opportunity to get to know his father. According to him, he learned at age 16 that Prince Laurent was his biological father, and at age 20, he reached out to him himself.
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Clément Vandenkerkove was born in 2000. His mother is model and singer Wendy Van Vanten. Prince Laurent acknowledged his son’s existence last year and stated that they have been communicating openly and honestly over the past few years. Vandenkerkove also noted that he will likely keep his own last name rather than take his father’s surname—Saxe-Coburg.
Prince Laurent is the brother of King Philippe of Belgium. He has three other children with Princess Claire, whom he married in 2003.
