{
  "id": 2768543,
  "title": "He sold cars, now he’s a prince: How a 26-year-old became member of Belgium’s royal family",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/he-sold-cars-now-hes-a-prince-how-a-26-year-old-became-member-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T10:35:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/he-sold-cars-now-he-s-a-prince-how-a-26-year-old-became-member-of-belgium-s-royal-family-11787478857319.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Belgium's royal family has added a new member with the official recognition of 26-year-old Clement Vandenkerckhove as Prince Laurent's son. The 26-year-old, formerly a car salesman, is the son of Laurent and Belgian singer Iris Vandenkerckhove, also known as Wendy Van Wanten. The legal recognition, though documented in a private ceremony, only came to light recently. Prior to this, Laurent had confirmed in September 2025 that Clement was his biological child, ending long-standing doubts surrounding his parentage. A DNA test confirmed a 99.5% match between the two, solidifying their biological connection. This acknowledgment grants Clement the title of Prince Laurent's son, allowing him to inherit from his father's private estate alongside Laurent's other three children: Princess Louise and twins Prince Nicolas and Prince Aymeric. However, this new status does not grant Clement any role in Belgium's monarchy, as he is not in line of succession to the throne. He will not receive a state allowance or partake in official royal duties. Clement's background remained veiled for years, with his mother and father's relationship being a point of speculation. In 2025, Clement appeared in a Flemish television documentary discussing his family history. Laurent confirmed their relationship, and DNA evidence further corroborated their biological link. Clement has since built a relationship with Laurent, sharing a mutual interest in cars. While the legal recognition provides Clement the title of Prince of Belgium, it doesn't come with the traditional privileges or responsibilities associated with senior royals. He will not receive a royal allowance or perform official duties. His primary legal entitlement now is the right to inherit from Laurent's private estate. Clement has expressed uncertainty about adopting the Saxe-Coburg family name, preferring his mother's Vandenkerckhove surname instead. This development brings closure to a prolonged uncertainty over Clement's parentage, establishing him within Belgium's royal family despite lacking a path to becoming king.",
  "summary": "The legal recognition gives Clement Vandenkerckhove the status of Prince Laurent’s son and allows him to inherit from his father’s private estate alongside Laurent’s three other children — Princess Louise and twins Prince Nicolas and Prince Aymeric.",
  "key_points": [
    "26-year-old Clement Vandenkerckhove recognized as Prince Laurent's son.",
    "DNA test confirmed 99.5% genetic match with Prince Laurent.",
    "Clement will inherit from Laurent's private estate but no royal duties."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}