Belgian car salesman becomes prince after royal parentage confirmed
Clément Vandenkerckhove, a 26-year-old former car salesman, has been legally recognized as the son of Belgium's Prince Laurent, following a quiet town hall ceremony six months ago. While he formally becomes a prince, he will not receive a royal allowance, be part of the line of succession, or participate in public royal activities. Vandenkerckhove, already known to Belgians from a TV documentary, is the son of Prince Laurent and Belgian singer Wendy Van Wanten.
Why it matters
This event highlights the evolving dynamics of royal families and their public image, as well as the personal journey of identity and family recognition within a royal context. It also touches on the financial and ceremonial aspects of royal titles.
Image source, Clément Vandenkerckhove/Instagram Image caption, Clément Vandenkerckhove (R) with his father Prince Laurent
Belgium's Prince Laurent has legally recognised 26-year-old former car salesman Clément Vandenkerckhove as his son and heir.
Vandenkerckhove, the result of a relationship between the royal and Belgian singer Wendy Van Wanten, was quietly brought into Prince Laurent's family at a town hall ceremony six months ago, although details have only just emerged.
While he formally becomes a prince, he will not receive a royal allowance.
The new prince has had several years to get used to the idea of having a royal father, and he said recently he was not yet sure he would begin using his father's name Saxe-Coburg.
"I might want to do that, but I am proud of the name Vandenkerckhove," he told Het Nieuwsblad.
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