He Was Living an Ordinary Life: Became a Prince at 26

A secret that had been kept for years in the Belgian Royal Family opened the door to a new era after the official recognition process. The 26‑year‑old Clément Vandenkerckhove, who works as a car salesman, was recognized as a son by Prince Laurent, brother of King Philippe, and received the title of prince.

It was stated that Prince Laurent officially recognized Vandenkerckhove about six months ago at a quiet municipal ceremony, and that the details of the transaction have only recently been reflected to the public.

Can Receive an Equal Share of the Inheritance

Following the legal procedure, Clément Vandenkerckhove gained an equal inheritance right over Prince Laurent’s private estate alongside the other children. The young prince joined the family as the step‑brother of Princess Louise, Prince Nicolas, and Prince Aymeric.

However, Vandenkerchove will not receive a royal allowance, will not assume any official duties, and will have no claim to the Belgian throne despite holding the title of prince.

Decided Whether to Change His Surname or Not

Whether the new prince will use the Saxe-Coburg surname to which Laurent belongs has not yet become clear. Vandenkerckhove, noting that he is proud of his own surname, highlighted his mother's effort.

He said, "I might want to do this, but I am proud of the Vandenkerckhove surname. Giving up this surname would betray everything my mother has done for me."

Learned the truth at 16.

Clément Vandenkerckhove was born in August 2000 as the son of Belgian singer and society figure Wendy Van Wanten. The artist, whose real name is Iris Vandenkerckhove, had a public relationship with Prince Laurent in the 1990s.

The relationship of the couple who met at a fashion event held in Paris ended years before Laurent married Princess Claire in 2003.

Vandenkerckhove revealed that he learned from his mother at age 16 that his biological father is Prince Laurent.

99.5% Match in DNA Test

Four years after learning the truth, Vandenkerckhove, who had gathered the courage to seek out Prince Laurent, began meeting with his father over time. The two later went to a hospital together to undergo a DNA test.

The test revealed a 99.5% biological match. Vandenkerckhove said that at that moment, in order to reassure Laurent, he had first offered a blood sample.

Prince Laurent later confirmed that Vandenkerckhove was his biological son and said that in recent years they have held "open and honest conversations".

Met With His Father Years Ago

One of the most striking details of the story is that they had met before learning the truth about their relationship. Vandenkerckhove encountered Prince Laurent in 2013 at a shopping mall, but at the time he did not know that the man before him was his biological father.

In the past, Vandenkerckhove, who worked as a car salesman at an Opel dealership in the city of Deinze, led a life far removed from the royal family. It was noted that the young man, who had received graphic design training, was known for his interest in fast cars and horses.

Not First in the Royal Family

The emerging family secret also brought Prince Laurent's own similar story from his past back into the spotlight.

Laurent's father, former Belgian King Albert II, after years of a paternity lawsuit, had accepted that he had a daughter from an extramarital affair in 2020. Delphine Boël won the legal battle, obtained the princess title, and began using the name Delphine de Saxe-Coburg.