In a recent ruling that has sparked discussions about royal privileges and social responsibility, a Belgian prince has faced a court’s rejection of his claim for social security benefits on top of his substantial royal allowance. This decision comes against the backdrop of Prince Laurent’s assertion that his work duties qualify him for additional support, although he already receives a significant financial package from the state.
Prince Laurent, the younger sibling of King Philippe of Belgium, was reportedly granted around €388,000 (approximately £295,850 or $376,000) from state funds in the past year alone. The prince contended that his involvement in various royal duties, coupled with his managerial role in an animal welfare charity he has operated for a decade, positioned him as partially self-employed. However, the court found this argument unconvincing, ruling against his bid for additional benefits.
At the heart of Laurent’s appeal was a declaration that his actions were not motivated by a desire for financial gain but rather by principles he felt were important to uphold. Unfortunately for him, the Brussels court did not share that perspective. During a recent interview with Belgian broadcaster RTBF, Laurent remarked on the broader implications of his case by comparing his situation to migrants who are entitled to social security upon registration. He noted, “I may be a migrant too, but one whose family established the state in place,” emphasizing the irony of his position within the Belgian social fabric.
The court, while rejecting Laurent’s request, did point out an intriguing loophole in the law. Although they concluded that he could neither be categorized as an employee nor self-employed, the judge recognized that Laurent should legitimately be entitled to a pension under current regulations. The court’s finding indicated a pressing need for law reform to address such discrepancies, which was a rare acknowledgment of the complexities surrounding royal finances versus ordinary citizen entitlements.
Laurent’s legal representative, Olivier Rijckaert, elaborated that the claim was not made lightly. He stated the request had symbolic significance, reinforcing the notion that social security should be accessible to all residents—regardless of their income level or social standing. Rijckaert underscored that a large portion of Prince Laurent’s royal allowance is consumed by the costs of employing his assistant and fulfilling travel obligations. This leaves the prince with a net income of about €5000 (£4300 or $5500) each month but without the option to claim any social security benefits, including medical reimbursements.
Furthermore, Laurent, who is married to Claire Coombs, a British national, has voiced concerns about the financial future of his family, particularly since his royal allowance will cease upon his death. The implications of this ruling have compelled Laurent to initiate legal proceedings against the Belgian state after his initial application for social security was turned down. This legal journey began with a preliminary hearing held in November 2024, setting the stage for a potentially prolonged legal battle.
As a member of the Belgian royal family and sitting 15th in the line of succession, Laurent’s life has been marred by controversy, often earning him the moniker “prince maudit,” translating to “cursed prince” in English. His past indiscretions include attending a Chinese embassy event without government authorization while donning a naval uniform. In a further display of unpopularity within governmental circles, he faced legislative action in 2018 when Belgian parliamentarians voted to cut his allowance temporarily due to his contentious behaviors, which include multiple speeding incidents and controversial meetings while the dictator Muammar Gaddafi held power in Libya.
As the legal ramifications continue to unfold, it remains uncertain whether Prince Laurent and his team will pursue an appeal against the court’s ruling. The case brings to light deeper questions concerning the privileges of royalty and the responsibilities that come with such positions, particularly related to social benefits accessible to all Belgians.