Prince Laurent of Belgium said he is the biological father of Clement Vandenkerckhove, a 25-year-old man who publicly identified himself as the prince's son in a new documentary.
In a statement quoted by the Belga news agency, Prince Laurent said the acknowledgment "is based on a sense of understanding and respect for those involved" and followed "joint consultation." He asked that the matter be treated with discretion and said he would make no further comment.
Clement, who was born in 2000, had long been the subject of press speculation about a possible royal link. In the documentary he said he wanted to end the public discussion that had "overshadowed" his life. Speaking previously in 2021 on the Flemish programme Het Huis, he had downplayed the rumours and quipped that the story sounded "very fairytale-like." Belgian media reported that succession to the throne will not be affected by the announcement.
Clement's mother, Wendy Van Wanten, is a Flemish singer and former television personality who rose to prominence in the 1980s. Local reports and commentary by royalty experts noted that Van Wanten and Prince Laurent were seen together at public events in the late 1990s, including attendance at a wedding of British royals, and that some of Van Wanten's public references and song lyrics had long fuelled speculation about a connection. Mario Danneels, a Belgian royalty expert, told Belga that the physical resemblance was "clear" and pointed to the name "Clement" and other circumstantial ties.
Prince Laurent, 61, has been married since 2003 to British-born Princess Claire, née Claire Coombs. The couple have three children: Princess Louise and twins Prince Nicolas and Prince Aymeric. The prince has a long history of public controversy and strained relations with parts of the Belgian establishment. Those episodes have included a widely reported reduction in his civil list payments after he attended an official reception at the Chinese embassy without prior government approval, an unsuccessful bid to obtain social security benefits in addition to his state allowance, and other disputes that have drawn sustained media attention.
In April, a Brussels court rejected a novel claim from Prince Laurent seeking social security coverage on the grounds that his duties were partly self-employed, a ruling that left broader questions about entitlements for members of the royal household. Reports said Laurent received about €388,000 in state funds last year and does not pay rent for his residence; his lawyer argued that much of that money is spent on staff and official duties. The court found that while he should be entitled to a pension, gaps in legislation prevented such an outcome and urged lawmakers to consider amendments.
Laurent has also been publicly associated with other controversies, including comments defending controversial historical figures and a range of gaffes and private business setbacks that have earned him nicknames in Belgian media. In prior years he was ordered to repay state funds after erroneously invoicing official expenses for private costs, and in 2016 it was decided his children could not use the territorial designation "of Belgium." He has been active in animal welfare and environmental causes, roles that have sometimes clashed with protocol and official expectations.
The revelation follows a separate, high-profile paternity case in the Belgian royal family. In 2020, King Albert II was legally recognised as the father of Princess Delphine after a protracted court battle; she has since been integrated into parts of the royal family's public life. Belgian commentators have pointed to that episode when discussing the potential domestic impact of Laurent's announcement.
There was no immediate statement from the royal household beyond the comments relayed to Belga, and Belgian media reported that officials view the matter as a private family issue that does not alter the line of succession. The documentary in which Clement spoke has prompted renewed coverage in the Belgian press and fresh scrutiny of long-standing rumours that had circulated in local tabloids and broadcast outlets.
Laurent's request for discretion, as quoted in his statement, suggested the prince and those involved intend the acknowledgement to close a chapter of public speculation. The timing of any further family or legal steps was not disclosed.