Once-secret son of Belgium royal becomes a prince at age 26
The 26-year-old's existence was first recognised last year by his father, who said the pair had "spoken openly and honestly about this in recent years".
Prince Laurent of Belgium has recently recognized his long-hidden son, Clément Vandenkerckhove, legally, making him a prince at the age of 26. The son of the brother of King Philippe and model-singer Wendy Van Wanten, Vandenkerckhove, born in 2000, had long been a subject of speculation. At 16, Vandenkerckhove discovered his royal parentage and reached out to Prince Laurent, who confirmed their recent open and honest discussions.
Although Vandenkerckhove will not receive a royal allowance, Belgian weekly news magazine Soir Mag reported he would receive an equal share of his father's inheritance. The 26-year-old, who bears a physical resemblance to Prince Laurent, has chosen to retain his surname, Saxe-Coburg, over accepting his royal title. Prince Laurent already has three other children with his wife, Princess Claire of Belgium.
In 2020, his father, King Albert II, also acknowledged an illegitimate child following a lengthy legal dispute that brought Princess Delphine to light. King Albert II abdicated as king of the Belgians in 2013 amidst the scandal.
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