Clement Vandenkerckhove, 26, has spoken publicly for the first time about his relief following the acknowledgment of his paternity by Prince Laurent of Belgium. Vandenkerckhove, the illegitimate son of Prince Laurent, shared his feelings on social media, stating that adjusting to no longer keeping his origins a secret is a work in progress.
He expressed deep gratitude for the warm reactions and support he has received, describing the feeling as one that rises above all else. The news of Prince Laurent acknowledging his paternity was reportedly confirmed in February, with town hall records indicating Vandenkerckhove is now legally a prince. However, he will not receive a royal allowance or be included in the line of succession.
Earlier this year, Vandenkerckhove posted a Father's Day message recognizing both Prince Laurent and his mother's husband, Frans Vancoppenolle. Last year, he had previously addressed speculation about his parentage in a documentary, recounting the moment his mother told him his father was a prince.
Prince Laurent, 62, confirmed the news in a statement, acknowledging his biological fatherhood of Clement Vandenkerckhove and noting the announcement was a result of open and honest discussions and joint consultation. He requested discretion regarding the intimate nature of the matter and stated he would make no further comments.
Vandenkerckhove was born in 2000, the same year Prince Laurent reportedly met his wife, Claire Coombs. The prince's relationship with Vandenkerckhove's mother, 80s pop singer Wendy Van Wanten, was never officially confirmed, though they were seen together at events in the late 1990s, including Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie's wedding. The Belgian Royal Family indicated that the line of succession would not be affected by this announcement, which follows a similar public acknowledgment by Prince Laurent's father, King Albert II, of his own love child, Princess Delphine, five years prior.
In clips from a Flemish documentary series, Vandenkerckhove reflected on the experience of learning about his heritage and the speculation that had surrounded it for years. He recounted his initial thoughts upon being told his father was a prince and the surprise of receiving his father's phone number, leading to a DNA test that confirmed his parentage.
Vandenkerckhove stated he holds no blame towards his mother or Prince Laurent for their past, emphasizing that they are all human and did nothing wrong. He expressed a desire to live life normally.
Prince Laurent and Princess Claire, who met in 2000, married in 2003. Princess Claire, who has dual British and Belgian nationality, has spoken about adapting to royal life and her husband's sensitivity and generosity. The couple has three children: Princess Louise and twins Prince Nicolas and Prince Aymeric. Wendy Van Wanten, Vandenkerckhove's mother, was known for her singing career and hosting a Flemish television show. She has since remarried and has two other children with her husband, Frans Vancoppenolle.