In a significant ruling, a Brussels court has denied Prince Laurent's bid for social security benefits despite his substantial royal allowance of €388,000 (£295,850; $376,000) received from state funds in the past year. The court found that the younger brother of King Philippe does not qualify as self-employed or an employee, which is essential for the entitlement to social security.
Prince Laurent, 61, had argued that his royal duties and the management of an animal welfare charity justified his claim to benefits, asserting his position was not merely about financial gain but rather about fairness. He likened his status to that of a migrant who accesses social security, framing his request as a matter of principle. "When a migrant comes here, he registers, and he has a right to [social security]," he told RTBF, drawing parallels with his own family's historical ties to the establishment of the Belgian state.
Despite the court's ruling, VTM reported that the judge acknowledged the prince's potential eligibility for a pension but noted that legislative gaps hindered this possibility, highlighting the need for legal reforms in the social security system. Laurent's attorney, Olivier Rijckaert, emphasized that the request carried broader implications, as social security should be universally accessible under Belgian law, transcending financial status.
While a significant portion of Laurent's royal allowance goes towards his assistant's salary and travel expenses, he only retains approximately €5,000 (£4,300; $5,500) monthly, insufficient for adequate financial security, especially as he expressed concerns for his family's future post his lifetime, given the anticipated reduction of the royal allowance.
Laurent's legal battle commenced after his original application for social benefits faced rejection, with the initial court hearing taking place in November 2024. As of now, neither the prince nor his legal team has indicated whether they will pursue an appeal against the judgment.
Notably, Prince Laurent, who is 15th in the line of succession, has not been a stranger to controversy. He has been referred to as the "cursed prince" due to several public missteps, including a year-long dock of his allowance following unauthorized attendance at a Chinese embassy event while in naval uniform. Additional critiques have stemmed from his past engagements with controversial figures, further complicating his public image and royal duties.
