A Belgian automotive salesman has gone from extraordinary life to royal standing after Prince Laurent formally recognised him as his son, bringing a long-hidden paternity story into the Belgian royal household.Clément Vandenkerckhove, 26, is the son of Prince Laurent and Belgian singer Wendy Van Wanten. The connection between Laurent and Van Wanten passed off earlier than the prince married Princess Claire in 2003.Vandenkerckhove was quietly introduced into Laurent’s household at a city corridor ceremony six months in the past, though particulars of his new standing have solely now emerged.Vandenkerckhove had identified for years that Laurent was his organic father. His mom revealed the id to him when he was 16, and 4 years later he contacted the prince himself.The pair ultimately underwent a DNA take a look at collectively, which confirmed a 99.5% match, in response to Vandenkerckhove’s account in a Flemish TV documentary.Though the popularity makes him a prince, Vandenkerckhove is not going to enter the Belgian line of succession, in contrast to Laurent’s different youngsters, Princess Louise, Prince Aymeric and Prince Nicolas.He will even not undertake official royal duties or obtain a royal allowance.He has stated he’s uncertain whether or not he’ll undertake the royal household title, Saxe-Coburg, saying he stays happy with his mom’s surname, Vandenkerckhove.The story mirrors that of Laurent’s father, former King Albert II, who was pressured to endure a DNA take a look at after a prolonged paternity dispute.Albert ultimately acknowledged artist Delphine Boël as his daughter in 2020, after years of authorized battles. She subsequently obtained the title of princess and adopted the title Delphine de Saxe-Coburg.Belgian legislation limits public royal allowances to solely a handful of members of the royal household, together with King Philippe, former King Albert II, Prince Laurent and Princess Astrid.
