Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Belgium’s Royal Family Welcomes Prince Laurent’s Newly Recognised Son
Clement Vandenkerckhove is now legally recognised as the son of Prince Laurent of Belgium.
He is 26 years old and previously worked as a car salesman.
His mother is singer and former model Wendy Van Wanten, whose real name is Iris Vandenkerckhove.
People had wondered for years who Clement’s father was.
Prince Laurent confirmed in 2025 that he was Clement’s biological father.
A reported DNA test showed a 99.5 percent match.
Clement can now inherit from Laurent’s private belongings and estate.
He has the title Prince of Belgium, but he will not become king or receive public royal funding.
He is also not expected to perform official duties.
Prince Laurent has formally recognised 26-year-old Clement Vandenkerckhove as his son.
Clement’s mother is Belgian singer and former model Iris Vandenkerckhove, known as Wendy Van Wanten.
Laurent publicly confirmed his paternity in September 2025 after years of speculation.
The recognition allows Clement to inherit from Laurent’s private estate alongside his three half-siblings.
Clement will not receive a royal allowance, perform official duties or enter Belgium’s royal succession.
- Who
- Clement Vandenkerckhove, Prince Laurent and Iris Vandenkerckhove, known professionally as Wendy Van Wanten.
- What
- Prince Laurent formally recognised Clement as his son, giving Clement the title Prince of Belgium and inheritance rights to Laurent’s private estate.
- When
- Clement was born in August 2000; Laurent publicly confirmed paternity in September 2025, and the legal recognition reportedly occurred at a private ceremony several months before the news became public.
- Where
- Belgium; the reported recognition took place at a private civil ceremony.
- Why
- The recognition legally established Clement’s relationship with Prince Laurent and allowed him to inherit from Laurent’s private estate, but it did not give him succession rights or official royal responsibilities.
- Clement’s age
- 26
- Clement’s birth
- August 2000
- Father
- Prince Laurent, younger brother of King Philippe
- Mother
- Iris Vandenkerckhove, known professionally as Wendy Van Wanten
- Paternity confirmation
- Publicly confirmed by Prince Laurent in September 2025
- DNA result
- A reported 99.5 percent match
- Inheritance
- Clement may inherit from Laurent’s private estate alongside Princess Louise, Prince Nicolas and Prince Aymeric
- Royal privileges
- No public royal allowance, official duties or place in the line of succession