Title yes, succession no: Belgium has a new prince

Belgium has officially recognized Clément Vandenkerckhove as a prince of the country, though he will not be part of the royal succession. The 26-year-old, who is the son of Prince Laurent of Belgium, was acknowledged as a prince following legal procedures, according to reports from Belgian media outlets such as Le Soir. Unlike other members of the royal family, Clément does not hold a royal title with official duties nor is he granted a royal estate. His status is purely honorary, and he retains his civilian life. Clément currently works in the kitchen of a restaurant, a role he recently shared with Het Nieuwsblad, describing his life as largely non-royal. His relationship with his father, Prince Laurent, has improved significantly over time. While they were initially estranged, Clément revealed that he learned of his paternity at age 16. He first contacted his father at 20, during a difficult period marked by panic attacks. After undergoing therapy, he attributes these struggles to ongoing pressure, though he says his health has since improved. Despite his personal success, Clément has no interest in inheriting his father’s wealth. When asked whether he would one day inherit the family's assets under Belgian law, he declined, emphasizing instead the importance of knowing his father. “And this process of getting to know him is still going on every day,” he told Het Nieuwsblad. He also expressed pride in his mother’s surname, Vandenkerckhove, stating that abandoning it would feel like a betrayal of her efforts on his behalf. Prince Laurent, who is the younger brother of King Philippe, publicly acknowledged Clément as his son last autumn. In February, he legally recognized him, a step that became public knowledge more recently. Prince Laurent, known as “Prinz Vollgas” due to his passion for fast cars, has had a colorful career. He married Princess Claire of Belgium in 2003, and together they have three children. In the past, he faced criticism for his driving habits, including temporarily losing his driver’s license and drawing controversy with a visit to the former Belgian Congo in 2011. Clément has spoken highly of his father, noting that their relationship has grown stronger. He described his father as supportive and always available when needed. They share a love for pasta and both enjoy cars, though Prince Laurent’s enthusiasm has led to some public scrutiny. Despite his father’s reputation, Clément seems content with his current lifestyle. He has bought two garages to rent out, showing signs of entrepreneurial ambition beyond his culinary work. The recognition of Clément as a prince reflects a broader trend within the Belgian monarchy, which has been navigating complex family dynamics and public expectations. While the royal family continues to play a ceremonial role, individual members increasingly seek personal fulfillment outside traditional royal duties. For Clément, this new status represents neither obligation nor privilege, but rather a personal connection to his heritage. As he continues to build his life, his story highlights the evolving nature of royalty in modern society.