Prince Laurent‘s son, Clément, Will Not Receive Royal Endowment, Raising Questions About Future Title
Brussels, Belgium – Clément, the son Prince Laurent of Belgium acknowledged in 2023 after a years-long legal battle, will not receive a royal endowment despite his lineage. this decision, confirmed by royal finances expert Christian Behrendt, underscores the unique circumstances surrounding Clément’s position within the Belgian royal family and fuels ongoing debate about whether he will ever be formally recognized as a prince.
The revelation comes as a new documentary, “Clément, son of…,” airs on RTL, detailing Clément’s life and the complex story of his parentage. While Clément possesses a familial connection to the monarchy, his lack of official duties and the unconventional nature of his birth mean he doesn’t qualify for the financial support typically afforded to working royals. This situation highlights a broader discussion about evolving royal protocols and the criteria for inclusion within the Belgian monarchy, especially as it pertains to children born outside of customary marital structures.
According to Behrendt, Clément’s circumstances preclude him from receiving an endowment “since his situation does not predestine it and does not expose it to depiction obligations.” He further clarified that neither structural funding nor payments for specific tasks are applicable to Clément’s case under current legislation. Importantly, Clément will also not be invited to participate in official royal family engagements.
The documentary’s first installment is currently available on RTL play, with the second part, chronicling Clément’s life journey, scheduled to broadcast on RTL TVI on September 21st at 10:45 p.m. and afterward on RTL play. The series is expected to further illuminate the intricacies of Clément’s relationship with his father and the broader royal family, and potentially spark further discussion about his future role, if any, within the Belgian monarchy.
Wendy Van Wanten, Clément’s mother, recently shared intimate details about her relationship with Prince Laurent, stating, “I have never taken a contraceptive,” in an interview with RTL.be. This statement adds another layer to the narrative surrounding Clément’s birth and the subsequent legal proceedings to establish paternity.
