“The fact that I no longer have to keep my origins a secret is a process I am still coming to terms with. But I am grateful for the warm reactions” Prince Clément writes on his social media account on Instagram.
Prince Clément takes to Instagram following his official recognition by his dad, Prince Laurent
Colin Clapson
Published:
Clément Vandenkerckhove as he is usually known has responded for the first time to his official recognition as the son of Prince Laurent, King Filip’s brother. It’s a development he is still getting used to.
“Getting used to the relief of no longer having to keep my origins a secret is still a process I’m very much going through,” Clément writes in a post featuring photos of himself on social media site Instagram.
Earlier last week, it became public knowledge that Prince Laurent had officially recognised Clément as his son. Back in September 2025, it had already been leaked that Clément, the son of singer and TV personality Wendy Van Wanten, was also his child. According to the constitution, Clément is now officially a prince of Belgium.
Like Laurent’s other children, he will not be appearing at the traditional parade on 21 July or at any other royal family events. Clément will not receive an allowance either, but from now on he will be a full heir to Laurent.
Unsettling, but grateful
This new reality is still unsettling for Clément himself. “To be honest, I still don’t quite know how to take it all in,” he writes.
The newest member of the Belgian royal family has been “more deeply moved than I could ever have imagined” by the “many warm reactions and kind words of support”. He thanks the people who have supported him. “Thank you to everyone whose warmth and affection have helped me,” he concludes in his post.