22.08.2026 00:50
The life of 26-year-old Clément Vandenkerckhove, who lived as an ordinary car dealer in Belgium, suddenly changed with a DNA test. After it was revealed that his father, unknown for years, was Prince Laurent, Vandenkerckhove became a member of the royal family following official recognition, and the rights brought by his new status also came to the fore.
A family story that had remained a secret in Belgium for years has now become official. Clément Vandenkerckhove, a 26-year-old working as a car salesman, became part of the royal family after learning that he is the son of Prince Laurent, the brother of King Philippe of Belgium. Laurent's paternity was officially recognized following a 99.5 percent match in a DNA test, and Vandenkerckhove now holds the title of Prince of Belgium.
26-YEAR-OLD SECRET BECOMES OFFICIAL
Clément Vandenkerckhove was born in 2000 as the son of Belgian singer and former model Iris Vandenkerckhove. His mother, known by her stage name Wendy Van Wanten, had a relationship with Prince Laurent in the 1990s.
Clément learned the identity of his father when he was 16. Four years later, he got in touch with Prince Laurent. A DNA test conducted by the pair later revealed a 99.5 percent match. In a statement made in September 2025, Laurent publicly announced that he was Clément's biological father.
DOES NOT LIVE IN THE PALACE, WORKS AT A CAR DEALERSHIP
One of the most notable details about Vandenkerckhove's life is that he led an ordinary life for years.
It was reported that 26-year-old Clément worked as a car salesman at an Opel dealership and studied graphic design. His life changed overnight once his connection to the royal family became official.
BECAME A PRINCE AT A QUIET CEREMONY
Prince Laurent's paternity was officially recorded at a quiet ceremony held at the municipal office about six months ago. Thus, Clément gained the right to use the title of Prince of Belgium under the regulations in Belgian law.
However, his new title does not mean that he will receive a state salary or undertake royal duties. Clément will have no official duties and will have no right of succession to the Belgian throne.
HAS EQUAL RIGHTS WITH HIS SIBLINGS IN INHERITANCE
One of the most significant consequences of the official recognition has emerged regarding inheritance.
Clément, along with Prince Laurent's three children from his wife Princess Claire—Louise, Nicolas, and Aymeric—will have equal inheritance rights over his father's private assets.
Clément also has another option ahead of him: using the Saxe-Coburg surname belonging to his father's family.
However, Vandenkerckhove has previously stated that he is attached to his mother's surname and is reluctant to change it. Therefore, the new prince is expected to keep his own surname for now.
Clément's story has also brought to mind a similar process previously experienced in the Belgian Royal Family. Former King Albert II did not recognize artist Delphine Boël as his daughter for many years, and accepted paternity in 2020 after a legal process.
In Clément's case, however, the process progressed differently, and Prince Laurent himself announced his biological paternity in 2025.