From Car Salesman to Prince: Clément Vandenkerckhove’s Royal Upgrade

Sun Sep 06 2026 13:51:29 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Did a car salesman just become Belgium’s newest prince? Find out how Vandenkerckhove won a DNA test and the royal title and what this means for the Belgian court.

Belgium’s Prince Laurent has officially recognised 26‑year‑old Clément Vandenkerckhove as his son after a DNA test proved their link. The former car salesman will now bear the title of prince, but he will not receive a royal allowance or be in the line of succession. Vandenkerckhove’s late‑stage discovery came amid a broader history of paternity revelations in the Belgian royal family, echoing past scandals involving King Albert II. The move was brought to light in a quiet town‑hall ceremony six months ago, following a documentary that shared Clément’s personal story.

From Car Salesman to Prince: Clément Vandenkerckhove’s Royal Upgrade

Belgium’s Prince Laurent has officially recognised 26‑year‑old Clément Vandenkerckhove as his son after a DNA test proved their link.

The former car salesman will now bear the title of prince, but he will not receive a royal allowance and is not in the line of succession. The move was announced after a quiet town‑hall ceremony held six months earlier.

Vandenkerckhove’s late‑stage discovery echoes past scandals – the former King Albert II admitted fathering a child outside marriage in 2020, and the court later recognized the child as royalty. The Belgian monarchy now has one more member with a non‑traditional background.

For the public, Clément’s story highlights how DNA technology can alter family lines and social status. His decision to keep his birth name shows a balance between tradition and personal identity.

Clément Vandenkerckhove beside Prince Laurent