Belgium’s Prince Laurent has encountered a legal setback in his quest to obtain social security benefits alongside his substantial royal allowance. The 61-year-old prince, who is the younger sibling of King Philippe, argued that his role and work should qualify him and his family for welfare benefits in addition to his €388,000 royal stipend and rent-free accommodation. He claimed partial self-employment status due to his royal duties and his decade-long involvement with an animal welfare charity.
A Brussels court, however, dismissed his claim as “unfounded,” stating that Laurent does not meet the criteria to be classified as self-employed or an employee. Despite this ruling, the presiding judge acknowledged that the prince should be eligible for a pension, but noted that existing gaps in Belgian legislation currently prevent this possibility.
Laurent’s legal representative, Olivier Rijckaert, emphasized to Belgian newspaper Le Soir that the prince’s request was not a mere “whim.” Rijckaert is considering whether to appeal the decision. He explained that the majority of Laurent’s allowance is allocated to professional expenses, such as travel and an assistant’s salary, leaving him with a net monthly income of approximately €5,000. This amount is comparable to the “average salary of a senior executive in Belgium,” yet lacks “full social security coverage.”
Prince Laurent, who has three adult children with his Anglo-Belgian partner Claire Coombs, has expressed concerns about his family’s financial security, particularly since his royal allowance will cease upon his death. The prince, who is 15th in line to the Belgian throne, has a history of controversy and has been referred to as “the cursed prince” due to various missteps and scandals.
In 2018, his royal allowance was reduced after he attended an event at the Chinese embassy in full naval uniform without the Belgian government’s approval. Additionally, Laurent was required to repay €16,900 in 2014 after billing the state for personal expenses, including grocery bills, skiing holidays, and his children’s school fees. In 2011, he drew criticism from then-King Albert II for visiting Congo, Belgium’s former colony, against the wishes of his father and the state. He also faced censure for attending meetings in Libya during Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.
Your World Now
- The court’s decision underscores the complexities of balancing royal privileges with public welfare systems, highlighting potential gaps in legislation that could affect other individuals in unique employment situations.
- The case may prompt discussions on how royal allowances and public benefits intersect, potentially influencing future policies regarding financial support for royals and similar figures.
- Prince Laurent’s financial concerns, despite his substantial allowance, reflect broader issues of financial management and security, resonating with individuals facing similar challenges in managing personal and professional expenses.
- The prince’s controversies and financial disputes could impact public perception of the Belgian monarchy, influencing national discourse on the role and responsibilities of royal family members.
- Legal outcomes in high-profile cases like this can set precedents, affecting how courts address similar claims from individuals with unconventional employment and income structures.