Former Car Salesman Becomes Belgian Prince After Parentage Confirmed
The 26-year-old former car salesman gains a royal title and inheritance claim, but remains outside Belgium’s line of succession and allowance system.
- Belgium has a new prince after 26-year-old Clement Vandenkerckhove was recognized by Prince Laurent, King Philippe's brother, granting the former car salesman a royal title and inheritance claim.
- Prince Laurent publicly acknowledged Vandenkerckhove last year, who was born during the royal's seven-year relationship with Flemish former model Iris Vandenkerckhove, before Laurent married British-born Claire Louise Coombs.
- A low-key town hall ceremony in February incorporated Vandenkerckhove into the royal family, a legal process required for him to obtain his new prince title, which was disclosed Wednesday.
- Vandenkerckhove spoke about childhood anxiety over his identity, saying, "My whole childhood I struggled with the question, 'Who is my father?'" while remaining proud of his mother's surname.
- Despite his title, Vandenkerckhove is not included in the line of succession and receives no royal allowance; he said, "What matters most to me right now is that I am a son who is allowed to get to know his father.
62 Articles
62 Articles
Belgian Prince Laurent now formally recognizes his son from a previous relationship as a prince
Rags to Riches: Car Salesman Becomes Belgian Prince After DNA Test Confirms Royal Paternity
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. Prince Laurent of Belgium has legally recognised his 26-year-old secret son, Clement Vandenkerckhove, making the car salesman a prince. The formal recognition occurred six months ago at a town hall ceremony, granting him equal inheritance rights. Vandenkerckhove expressed joy at finally getting to know his father. World News | Rags to Riches: Car Salesman Becomes Belgian Prince After DNA Test…
BT
Belgian Prince Laurent now formally recognizes his son from a previous relationship as a prince.
Rags to riches: Car salesman becomes Belgian prince after DNA test confirms royal paternity - The Tribune
Prince Laurent of Belgium has legally recognised his 26-year-old secret son, Clement Vandenkerckhove, making the car salesman a prince. The formal recognition occurred six months ago at a town hall ceremony, granting him equal inheritance rights. Vandenkerckhove expressed joy at finally getting to know his father.
Former car salesman becomes Belgian Prince after parentage confirmed
A former car salesman has become a Prince in Belgium, after it emerged that he was a secret son of the King’s brother. Like something out of a cheesy teenage comedy, Clément Vandenkerkchove was just a humble car salesman in Belgium. However, his resemblance to Prince Laurent of Belgium was frequently noted. Prince Laurent, the […]
After the DNA test, Prince Laurent of Belgium legally recognized Clément Vandenkerckhove, a former 26-year-old car salesman, as his son and heir
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