Clément Vandenkerckhove, a 26-year-old former car salesman and commis chef, has been formally recognized as the son of Prince Laurent of Belgium, a development that has reshaped his life and thrust him into the public eye.
A Royal Revelation
After years of rumor, a DNA test in 2020 confirmed Vandenkerckhove's parentage, establishing him as the love child of Prince Laurent and his mother, Iris Vandenkerckhove, who worked as a model and actress under the stage name Wendy Van Wanten. The Royal House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha has now accepted Vandenkerckhove, granting him the title of Prince. This recognition was recently formalized on August 19, when Prince Laurent swore legal ties to his son before a civil registrar.
Vandenkerckhove described his transformation as dramatic, stating, "Once I became prince, a lot of stuff changed. I became a celebrity overnight. Now people recognise me all the time when I'm walking down the road." He acknowledged struggling with the loss of privacy, admitting, "I'm not a normal person any more." His newfound status means he is frequently recognized, making it difficult to avoid attention, a challenge for the naturally shy young man.
Early Life and Discovery
Born in Ostend, Belgium, Vandenkerckhove was raised by his single mother in Flanders. His mother and Prince Laurent met at a Paris fashion show in 1995. While their relationship was reportedly passionate, it was considered unsuitable by the royal family due to Ms. Vandenkerckhove's public image. Prince Laurent's parents, King Albert II and Queen Paola, are said to have pressured him to end the relationship. He later married Claire Coombs in 2003, with whom he has three children: Princess Louise, Prince Nicolas, and Prince Aymeric.
Clément's first inkling of a connection to the royal family came at age 13 when he encountered Prince Laurent with his mother in a shopping center. He did not learn the full identity of his father until his 16th birthday. For three years following this revelation, he hesitated to act on the news. In 2020, he contacted Prince Laurent, leading to the paternity test that confirmed their biological relationship.
Adapting to a New Role
The transition from private citizen to a member of the royal family has been challenging for Vandenkerckhove. Following the public announcement, he remained indoors for seven days, overwhelmed by the sudden shift in his life. He noted an influx of people from his past re-establishing contact, some claiming a friendship he did not recall. He currently resides in a modest apartment in Aalter, distinct from the royal residences.
Vandenkerckhove previously worked as a car salesman and a commis chef, experiences he described as providing stability. He also pursued a career in property, buying and selling commercial real estate. Despite his new title, he intends to continue working and using his public platform for charitable causes, particularly those supporting young people with mental health issues.
He shares his life with his girlfriend, Guadalupe Borrero Ferreira, whom he met online six years ago. She is protective of his privacy and notes his preference for avoiding crowded places. Vandenkerckhove also mentioned his ongoing struggles with anxiety and misophonia, conditions that have affected him since childhood. He emphasized his commitment to remaining grounded and egalitarian, stating, "I hate people who think they're above others."
While not in the line of succession, Vandenkerckhove is entitled to equal inheritance rights to Prince Laurent's private estate. His father, Prince Laurent, has a history of public scrutiny, including involvement in financial and diplomatic controversies. Vandenkerckhove expressed respect for his father, stating, "Because he was always honest. Everything he said to me was always true."