Clément Vandenkerckhove found out at 16 that his biological father is Prince Laurent. After years of hesitation, she called and met him. A 99.5% DNA test confirmed the link. Now, its name is added to the royal family tree, and publications such as BBC and The New York Times write about the story that seems to be taken from a modern fairy tale.

(Staff: Belgium / Monarchy & Society)

A story that seems to be taken from the pages of a scandal magazine has turned into a legal and official reality. Clément Vandenkerckhove, a 26-year-old who sold cars until recently, became Prince of Belgium, after Prince Laurent officially recognized him as his son. The ceremony took place six months ago, at the City Hall in Brussels, but the details have only now come to light, being taken over by the international press, including the BBC. .

child of a secret relationship with a singer

Before marrying Princess Claire in 2003, Prince Laurent had a relationship with Wendy van Wanten, whose real name is Iris Vandenkerckhove. Clément was born from this relationship. For 16 years, the truth was kept secret. Clément grew up unknowingly who his biological father was, until his mother revealed his father’s identity to him.

The first unexpected meeting and the call that changed everything

Clément told in a VTM documentary that he met Prince Laurent for the first time in a shopping center in 2013, without realizing who he was. Only at 16 years old did he find out the truth. After four years of hesitation, he had the courage to call him. Several calls followed, then a face-to-face meeting. Prince Laurent offered him a DNA test.

DNA test: 99.5% match

The two went to the hospital together. “He said I’m going first, so you feel comfortable,” Clément told VTM. A few weeks later, he received an email from the lab confirming a 99.5% DNA match. His father was indeed Prince Laurent.

An official recognition but no dynastic rights

The official recognition ceremony took place six months ago at the City Hall in Brussels. Clément Vandenkerckhove is now officially Prince Clément, although he will not receive a royal allowance and will not be part of the line of succession to the throne, unlike the three legitimate children of Prince Laurent.

The name remains a dilemma

Although she has the right to bear the name Saxe-Coburg, the young prince is not yet sure to give up his mother’s name. “I could do that, but I’m proud of the name Vandenkerckhove. If I sacrificed this surname, it would be a betrayal of everything my mother did for me,” he told Het Nieuwsblad.

The echo of the royal scandal of King Albert II

Clément’s story recalls the scandal that forced King Albert II to abdicate in 2013. And he officially acknowledged the Delphine Boël As his daughter, after a long legal battle. Delphine is now known as Princess Delphine of Saxe-Coburg.

Conclusion

The story of Clément Vandenkerckhove is more than just a worldly news story. It’s a lesson in how family secrets, no matter how well hidden, can come to light and rewrite destinies. It is also a reminder that the Belgian royal family, like many institutions, is made up of people who go through complicated dramas and choices. And for Clément, life changed forever on a typical Tuesday when he received an email confirming that he was officially a prince of Belgium.