At 26, Car Salesman Clément Vandenkerckhove Becomes a Belgian Prince

At the age of 26, Clément Vandenkerckhove has gone from an ordinary car salesman to a member of Belgium’s royal family after being officially recognised as the son of Prince Laurent, the younger brother of King Philippe.

Following an official paternity process and DNA testing, Clément was confirmed as Prince Laurent’s son, giving him the same rights to his father’s private inheritance as Laurent’s three other children.

Clément first learned the identity of his biological father when he was 16. At 20, he decided to contact Prince Laurent himself, beginning a journey that eventually led to his formal recognition.

Despite being recognised as a prince, Clément will not be in the line of succession, receive state support or carry out official royal duties.

Clément has also said he will continue using his mother’s surname, Vandenkerckhove. His mother, singer Wendy Van Wanten, was by his side throughout his life, and he has expressed his wish to retain the name that connects him to her.