Belgium's Prince Laurent has legally recognised 26-year-old former car salesman Clément Vandenkerckhove as his son, making him a prince, though he will not receive a royal allowance or join the line of succession. The recognition took place at a town hall ceremony six months ago, though it has only now come to public attention, and mirrors an earlier royal paternity scandal involving Laurent's father, former King Albert II. It matters because it is the second such case to touch Belgium's royal family in recent years, reviving questions about hidden family ties within the monarchy.

Vandenkerckhove is the son of Prince Laurent and Belgian singer Wendy Van Wanten (real name Iris Vandenkerckhove), from a relationship that predated Laurent's 2003 marriage to Princess Claire. He learned his father's identity at 16, later contacted him, and the pair underwent a DNA test that confirmed a 99.5% match; he says he is not yet sure whether he will adopt his father's name, Saxe-Coburg. He will not take part in public royal duties and remains outside the family members entitled to state allowances, which under 2013 law are limited to King Philippe, Albert II, Prince Laurent and Princess Astrid.