Prince Laurent of Belgium suddenly identified himself as the biological father of 25-year-old Clément Vandenkerckhove, ending years of speculation surrounding his relationship with singer Wendy Van Wanten.

Prince Laurent of Belgium during a visit to the Bricks of Wonder exhibition in Leidschendam. Photo: AP

On September 9, the Belga news agency quoted Prince Laurent, 61, as saying that he “publicly acknowledged” Clément Vandenkerckhove as his biological son. “We’ve been talking frankly for years. This is the result of mutual respect and understanding. I will not comment further,” the prince wrote.

Laurent is the younger brother of King Philippe, the youngest child of former King Albert II and Queen Paola. He has been married to Princess Claire since 2003 and has three children.

Princess Claire and Prince Laurent on Belgium’s National Day, July 25. Photo: Xavier Piro

According to Belgian media, Prince Laurent met actress and singer Wendy in the mid-1990s. The two appeared together at Prince Edward’s wedding in 1999. When Clément was born a year later, public opinion raised questions about the identity of his biological father.

In a 2021 TV show, Clément dodged a question about his father and called the story “an emotional fairy tale”. Wendy also admitted that her relationship with Laurent lasted about seven years.

Wendy Van Wanten and Prince Laurent in Brussels in 1996. Photo: Daelemans

Royal journalist Rick Evers said Clément was theoretically eligible to bear the title of prince, according to a 2015 royal decree.

Laurent’s admission of having a child of his own took place on the same day that VTM announced the broadcast of the documentary Clément, Son of…, in which Clément first spoke up: “I just want to be able to go out for a beer with my father, live a normal life, not have to listen to the question ‘Do you know who your father is?’ anymore.”

Clément and Wendy Van Wanten in March 2013. Photo: AFP

Earlier in 2020, former King Albert II also caused a shock when he admitted to having an illegitimate daughter – Delphine Boël – after 7 years of litigation and DNA testing. Delphine Boël is now recognized as the Princess of Belgium.