Belgian Prince Laurent legally recognizes former car salesman as son and heir

Prince Laurent of Belgium has officially acknowledged Clément Vandenkerckhove, a 26-year-old former car salesman, as his son and heir. Vandenkerckhove is the product of Prince Laurent's relationship with Belgian singer Wendy Van Wanten, whose real name is Iris Vandenkerckhove, prior to the prince's marriage to Princess Claire in 2003.

The paternity was formally recognized quietly about six months ago, with the news only now becoming public. Vandenkerckhove recounted meeting his father for the first time in a shopping center as a child, unaware of his identity. He learned the truth from his mother at age 16 and later initiated contact with his father, leading to a meeting and a DNA test that confirmed a 99.5% match.

Although the recognition grants Vandenkerckhove the title of Prince of Belgium, he will not receive any state financial support associated with a royal position. He is also not included in the line of succession, unlike his half-siblings Princess Louise and Princes Aymeric and Nicolas. Vandenkerckhove has not yet decided if he will adopt the Saxe-Coburg surname, considering it might be unfair to his mother.

This situation echoes that of Prince Laurent's own father, former King Albert II, who in 2020 admitted to having a daughter from an extramarital affair after a lengthy paternity dispute. Vandenkerckhove has shared his story in a television documentary, detailing his journey to connect with his father.