Meet Belgium’s New Prince: A 26-Year-Old Car Salesman

In a remarkable turn of events, a 26-year-old former car salesman has become the newest member of the Belgian royal family. Clement Vandenkerkhove, who was born out of wedlock to Prince Laurent, the younger brother of King Philippe, has been recognized as a prince after a low-key town hall ceremony in February.

Clement’s journey to becoming a prince began when Prince Laurent publicly acknowledged him as his son last year. The younger Vandenkerkhove was born during Prince Laurent’s seven-year relationship with Flemish former model turned singer Iris Vandenkerckhove. The relationship ended, and Prince Laurent went on to marry British-born Claire Louise Coombs, with whom he has three children.

Clement’s decision to decline the royal surname of van Saksen-Coburg in favor of keeping his birth name, Vandenkerckhove, reflects his strong connection to his mother and her identity. ‘I am proud of the name Vandenkerckhove,’ he told Belgian daily Nieuwsblad. ‘Sacrificing that surname would be a betrayal to everything my mother did for me.’

The young prince has spoken publicly about the anxiety he experienced as a child due to the secrecy surrounding his father’s identity. ‘My whole childhood I struggled with the question, ‘Who is my father?’ When I knew, the secrecy weighed heavily on me,’ he said. ‘Imagine: You know who your father is, but you aren’t allowed to tell anyone.’

Clement’s relationship with Prince Laurent has brought him a sense of comfort and stability. ‘What matters most to me right now is that I am a son who is allowed to get to know his father,’ he said, adding that the men share a love of cars. Despite being recognized as a prince, Clement will not receive a royal allowance and is not included in the line of succession.

The recognition of Clement as a prince has been met with a mix of reactions from the public and the royal family. While some have welcomed him as a new member of the family, others have raised questions about the implications of his status. As Clement navigates his new role, he is likely to face challenges and opportunities that will shape his future.

For now, Clement is focusing on building a relationship with his father and exploring the complexities of his new identity. As he embarks on this journey, he is an inspiring example of the power of love, acceptance, and identity.