A Modern Fairy Tale: 26-Year-Old Car Salesman Recognised As Prince By Belgium’s Royal Family

Last Updated:August 23, 2026, 06:10 IST

The quiet resolution of one of Belgium’s most widely rumoured royal open secrets came to light following an understated town hall registration

Clément discovered the truth about his father at age 16. Four years later, he reached out to Prince Laurent (L) directly. Images/Instagram

In a plot twist straight out of a modern fairy tale, 26-year-old Belgian car salesman Clément Vandenkerckhove has officially been recognised as a prince.

The quiet resolution of one of Belgium’s most widely rumoured royal open secrets came to light following an understated town hall registration that altered the fabric of the nation’s monarchy.

A Secret Hidden in Plain Sight

Born in 2000 to popular Belgian model and singer Wendy Van Wanten, Clément grew up under constant media scrutiny and public speculation. Van Wanten had a high-profile relationship with Prince Laurent—the younger brother of King Philippe—during the late 1990s, before the prince married Princess Claire in 2003.

For years, subtle clues fuelled local rumours. Beyond a striking physical resemblance, Clément’s name was widely viewed as a direct nod to Villa Clementine, Prince Laurent’s official residence in Tervuren.

The DNA Confirmation and Quiet Paternity

Clément discovered the truth about his father at age 16. Four years later, he reached out to Prince Laurent directly. The pair quietly built a relationship away from the public eye before undergoing a DNA test, which confirmed a 99.5% biological match.

Rather than dragging the matter through lengthy court battles, Prince Laurent took steps to formally register legal parentage in a private civil ceremony.

Key aspects of his newfound status include:

• Inheritance Rights: Clément gains equal rights to Prince Laurent’s private estate alongside his three half-siblings—Princess Louise, Prince Nicolas, and Prince Aymeric.
• No Official Duties or Allowance: He will not perform public duties, receive a state allowance, or hold a place in the Belgian line of succession.
• Keeping His Name: Clément intends to retain his mother’s surname, Vandenkerckhove, rather than adopting the royal house name Saxe-Coburg, stating that dropping it would feel like a betrayal of the mother who raised him.

Echoes of Belgian Royal History

This is not the first time Belgium’s royal house has expanded its roster. The event echoes the high-profile legal battle involving King Albert II, who formally acknowledged artist Delphine Boël as his biological daughter in 2020 following years of court proceedings, granting her the title of Princess Delphine.

Unlike that protracted feud, Prince Laurent and his son chose an amicable path focused on personal reconciliation over royal fanfare. For the former Opel dealership sales representative, the priority remains simple: building a bond with his father.

Key Questions Answered

Powered by

Ask News18

Will Clément Vandenkerckhove ever receive a state allowance?

Clément Vandenkerckhove will not receive a state allowance.

How does this recognition impact the Belgian line of succession?

Clément Vandenkerckhove’s recognition as a prince does not impact the Belgian line of succession, as he will not hold a place in it.

What are Clément’s inheritance rights compared to his half-siblings?

Clément Vandenkerckhove has equal inheritance rights to Prince Laurent’s private estate alongside his three half-siblings: Princess Louise, Prince Nicolas, and Prince Aymeric.

Powered by

Ask News18

About the Author

Pathikrit Sen Gupta

Pathikrit Sen Gupta is a Senior Associate Editor with News18.com and likes to cut a long story short. He writes sporadically on Politics, Sports, Global Affairs, Space, Entertainment, And Food. He tra…Read More

Read More