Belgian car salesman becomes prince after DNA test proves royal parentage
DNA testing confirmed the paternity, and Clément Vandenkerckhove gains equal inheritance rights to Prince Laurent’s private estate but no succession rights, officials said.
- Prince Laurent of Belgium officially recognized 26-year-old Clément Vandenkerckhove as his son after registering paternity with Belgium's civil registry, following a ceremony held about six months ago.
- After learning his father's identity at 16 from mother Iris Vandenkerckhove, known as Wendy Van Wanten, Clément contacted the 63-year-old royal four years later, prompting Laurent to agree to a DNA test.
- The DNA test confirmed their relationship with a 99.5 per cent match. Clément, a former car salesman, told Nieuwsblad, "I am proud of the name Vandenkerckhove," saying sacrificing it would betray his mother's legacy.
- While the legal recognition grants Clément equal inheritance rights to Laurent's private estate, he receives no royal allowance and has no rights to the Belgian throne or expectations to take on official duties.
- This revelation follows the 2020 legal battle where Laurent's father admitted to fathering a daughter during an affair; Delphine de Saxe-Coburg was eventually granted the title of princess, highlighting a pattern of secret paternity within the Royal Family.
138 Articles
138 Articles
Belgian Prince Laurent Officially Recognizes 26-Year-Old Son, But He’s Not In Line For Succession
BELGIUM (VINnews) — A 26-year-old Belgian car salesman has been officially recognized as the son of Prince Laurent, the younger brother of King Philippe of Belgium, following a DNA test that confirmed their biological relationship. The recognition was completed during a discreet ceremony at a municipal office in February, but details of the development only […]
After 25 years, the brother of King Philip of Belgium recognized himself as the father of the young man, who has been granted the royal title. “Get used to the relief of not having to keep my origins secret is still a developing process,” he said on Instagram.
A Belgian car salesman is now officially Prince of Belgium. Nevertheless, he is denied access to royal privileges.
The Belgian Royal Family has once again come to public attention with a secret paternity process. Prince Laurent, brother of King Philippe, officially acknowledged 26-year-old Clément Vandenkerckhove as his biological son. This took place at a municipal ceremony approximately six months ago.
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