Clément Vandenkerckhove, a 26-year-old former car salesman, has been officially recognised as the son of Belgium's Prince Laurent (a younger brother of reigning King Philippe) following a DNA test confirming 99.5% paternity. The recognition took place at a quiet town hall ceremony six months ago, making Vandenkerckhove a prince, though he will receive no royal allowance, hold no place in the line of succession, and will not take part in public royal duties. The case echoes a parallel scandal involving Laurent's own father, former King Albert II, who in 2020 acknowledged fathering artist Delphine Boël during an affair — a paternity battle that became a royal scandal and contributed to Albert's abdication in 2013.