자동차 팔다가 왕자 된 20대 청년 “알고보니 아버지가…”

A 26-year-old Belguim man, currently a car salesman, has recently been recognized as a prince and granted the title of prince after learning his father was a member of the royal family. BBC reported that Prince Laurent, younger brother of King Philippe, acknowledged 20-year-old Clemens Berner as his legal son and heir.

Prince Laurent and Clemens are the offspring of Belgian singer Wendy Berner. Clemens only learned of his father's identity when he turned 16. Four years later, he confronted Prince Laurent over the phone and they eventually met in person. A DNA test confirmed Clemens' paternity, and he was quietly welcomed into the royal family at a public event six months ago. However, specific details remain undisclosed to the public.

Clemens can now officially use the title 'prince' and inherit a portion of Prince Laurent's estate, but will not be included in the succession line nor receive any royal allowance. Belgian law, amended in 2013, allows only a select few royal members, including King Philippe and his father King Albert II, Prince Laurent, and Prince Albert II's brother, Prince Albert II, to receive royal allowance. Clemens has stated he will not take on his father's surname, as he considers it a betrayal of his mother's generosity.