Currently, Prince Laurent of Belgium has admitted his lovechild on the record. The son, named Clement Vandenkerckhove, was born out of a former relationship with Flemish supermodel and singer Wendy van Wanten. This disclosure comes on the heels of nearly two decades of debate over the complex family connections in the Belgian royal family. This issue came to prominence when artist Delphine Boël was recognized as the illegitimate daughter of King Albert II.
Delphine Boël is 55 years old today. In October 2020, following a drawn out court struggle to prove her paternity, she received her official designation as princess. After years of legal battles, King Albert II finally acknowledged that he is indeed her father. This unexpected twist cements her position in the royal story. Born from an extra-marital affair with Baroness Sybille de Selys Longchamps in 1968, Delphine has since been involved in various public engagements alongside the royal family.
Though she carries a royal title, Delphine and her children still live just beyond the official line of succession to the Belgian throne. King Albert II’s acknowledgment of her paternity was a significant turning point in the family’s history. He had earlier abdicated in 2013 because of health reasons, abdicating the throne to his son, King Philippe.
In a surprising twist, Prince Laurent’s admission regarding Clement Vandenkerckhove adds another layer of complexity to the royal family’s dynamics. Clement, born in 2000, is now the 15th in line for the throne. His position on the official succession list is unlikely, due to his father’s situation.
In a poignant statement revealing his displeasure, Prince Laurent underscored his hopes for greater transparency.
“With this announcement, I acknowledge that I am the biological father of Clement Vandenkerckhove. We have spoken openly and honestly about this in recent years. This announcement is based on a sense of understanding and respect for those involved. It is the result of joint consultation.” – Prince Laurent
Clement opened up about how it felt to grow up knowing the identity of his father. He looked back at the challenges he encountered on that journey.
“I was only born, and things were already being said about me. That was my normal life. Now I can say it in my own words. I’m 25 now, and I just think: we’re all human. My dad didn’t do anything wrong, my mom didn’t do anything wrong. I want to be able to live a normal life and not constantly be told, ‘Do you even know who your father is?’ ‘Is he dead yet?’ I want to be done with that. I just want to go for a beer with my dad.” – Clement Vandenkerckhove
Prince Laurent ended his remarks by asking for privacy about this delicate issue.
“I kindly request that you receive this information with the discretion that the nature of this intimate matter requires. I will not make any further statements or provide any further explanation on this matter.” – Prince Laurent
As King Albert II continues to navigate his health challenges, undergoing cancer treatment for the sixth time in 11 years, the royal family faces new developments that may reshape their public image and internal relationships. Delphine’s recognition as a royal gives their relationship and plot thrilling new layers. Now, thanks to the Clement disclosure, the contradictions of today’s royal existence just got a whole lot more interesting.
