Prince Laurent's Son Clément Speaks Out: 'A Relief to No Longer Hide My Origins'

A 26-year-old former car salesman who was officially recognised this year as Prince Laurent of Belgium's son has spoken publicly for the first time since the recognition, describing his "relief" at no longer having to keep his origins secret.

Clément Vandenkerckhove, born from Prince Laurent's relationship with Flemish model Wendy van Wanten before Laurent's 2003 marriage to Princess Claire, was officially declared Laurent's son and heir in a town hall ceremony earlier this year. The details were made public on 19 August 2026, when Laurent's formal recognition was reported. Vandenkerckhove reacted on Instagram the following day, and gave his first extended public comments on 23 August, speaking about the recognition and his renewed relationship with his father. (RTL.be, Hello! Magazine)

"The feeling that rises above all is gratitude," Vandenkerckhove said, according to Belgian outlet HLN. (HLN)

The story behind the recognition stretches back a decade. Vandenkerckhove learned at 16 from his mother that his father was a prince. He made contact with Laurent four years later, and paternity was confirmed by a DNA test. In September 2024, a documentary titled Clement, Son of… aired on Flemish television channel VTM, in which Vandenkerckhove publicly identified himself as Laurent's son for the first time. (Hello! Magazine)

Prince Laurent, 62, is the younger brother of King Philippe of Belgium and the son of former King Albert II. He has three children with Princess Claire: Princess Louise, Prince Aymeric, and Prince Nicolas. Laurent's own half-sister, Princess Delphine, was recognised by King Albert six years ago after a lengthy legal battle — establishing a pattern within the Belgian royal family of children born outside marriage eventually being formally acknowledged. (Hello! Magazine)

Under the Belgian constitution, formal recognition as a son of Prince Laurent makes Vandenkerckhove a prince of Belgium. He was granted the title under the Royal Decree of 12 November 2015, and may use it if he wishes. The recognition carries no money and no place in the line of succession: Vandenkerckhove receives no royal allowance and is not part of the royal line of succession. The town hall declaration that formalised his status took place roughly six months before the details became public. (Hello! Magazine)

Vandenkerckhove has also said he will not change his surname. He stated he is proud of the Vandenkerckhove name and intends to keep it, title or no title. (Hello! Magazine)

For a family that has already lived through one very public paternity saga, the tone of Clément's emergence has been notably quiet. No legal fight preceded it. Laurent acknowledged paternity, the paperwork followed, and a young man who spent years concealing who his father was now says, above all, he is grateful.