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Belgian Prince Recognition
Belgium’s Prince Laurent has formally recognized Clément Vandenkerckhove as his son, making the 26-year-old a prince of Belgium after legal recognition of paternity registered before a civil registrar in February.
“Prince Laurent had legally acknowledged his paternity of Mr. Vandenkerckhove”
The New York Times reported that Belgium’s Royal Palace confirmed to the paper that Prince Laurent had legally acknowledged his paternity of Mr. Vandenkerckhove but did not comment further, saying it was a private matter.
The BBC said Vandenkerckhove was quietly brought into Prince Laurent’s family at a town hall ceremony six months ago, with details emerging only later.
The BBC also said Vandenkerckhove will not receive a royal allowance, and that he will not be part of Belgium’s royal line of succession or take part in public royal activities.
Names, Duties, and Funding
Town & Country Magazine said the 2015 royal decree allows children and grandchildren of King Albert II to use the title of Prince (or Princess) of Belgium, as well as the style of Royal Highness.
It also said Clément could legally change his name to his father’s surname, to “Saxe-Coburg,” but that he previously said he’s attached to his last name, his mother’s surname.
The Telegraph said the title carries no state stipend or official duties and that he has “zero rights to the throne,” while Belga said King Philippe still needs to sign a royal decree for Clément to officially bear the title of prince.
Anadolu Ajansı reported that under a 2013 law, allowances are limited to the monarch and the direct heir to the throne, and that like Laurent’s other children, Vandenkerckhove will continue to support himself through his own employment.
DNA, Inheritance, and Context
BBC described how Clément told VTM that after several calls, Prince Laurent suggested they take a DNA test, and that he remembered Prince Laurent saying, "I'll go first so you're feeling at ease."
“"I'll go first so you're feeling at ease"”
The BBC added that an email from the laboratory told him of a 99.5% DNA match, and it said Prince Laurent’s DNA test is reminiscent of former King Albert II’s paternity test after a lengthy dispute.
The New York Times said the move made Mr. Vandenkerckhove a prince though he is not expected to have any royal duties, and it noted that under the terms of a 2015 royal decree he is granted the title of prince but will not be in line for the throne.
Anadolu Ajansı said the recognition makes Vandenkerckhove a legal heir with an equal share of Laurent’s estate alongside his three half-siblings, and it reported that he may apply to adopt the family name Saxe-Coburg but has reportedly said he remains strongly attached to his current surname.