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Belgian Prince Loses Court Case Over Social Security Benefits Claim
A bid by Prince Laurent of Belgium to receive social security payments in addition to his substantial royal income has been rejected by a Brussels court. The younger brother of King Philippe, Prince Laurent, receives a yearly allowance from state funds, which amounted to €388,000 (£295,850; $376,000) last year. Despite this significant sum, he argued that his royal duties and charitable work entitled him and his family to social security benefits.
Prince Laurent’s Argument for Social Security
The 61-year-old prince contended that he was, in part, self-employed due to the functions he performs as a member of the royal family, alongside his decade-long involvement with an animal welfare organization. Speaking to Belgian broadcaster RTBF, Prince Laurent stated his action was driven by “principle” rather than financial need, highlighting what he perceived as an inconsistency in the system.
“When a migrant comes here, he registers, he has a right to [social security],” he said. “I may be a migrant too, but one whose family established the state in place.”
Court Rejects Royal’s Request
However, the court in Brussels dismissed Prince Laurent’s appeal on Monday. The judges ruled that the prince could not be classified as either self-employed or an employee, thus disqualifying him from social security entitlements. Despite denying the request, broadcaster VTM reported that the judge acknowledged Prince Laurent’s potential eligibility for a pension. The court noted legislative gaps that prevented this and suggested that the law should be revised to address such situations.
Legal Basis and Symbolism
Olivier Rijckaert, Prince Laurent’s legal representative, told Belgian newspaper Le Soir that his client’s petition was not frivolous, emphasizing its symbolic importance. He asserted that social security is “granted by Belgian law to all residents, from the most deprived to the richest.”
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Mr. Rijckaert further explained that the majority of the prince’s annual allowance covers his assistant’s salary and various business travel expenses. After these expenditures, Prince Laurent is reportedly left with approximately €5000 (£4300; $5500) per month, without access to social security benefits such as reimbursement for medical costs.
Concerns Over Future Financial Security
The prince, who has three adult children with his British-born wife Claire Coombs, has also voiced concerns regarding his family’s financial security, particularly as the royal allowance is set to be discontinued upon his death. His legal challenge against the Belgian state followed the initial rejection of his social security application, with the first court hearing taking place in November 2024.
Possible Appeal and “Cursed Prince” Persona
According to RTBF, Prince Laurent and his legal team are still considering whether to lodge an appeal against the court’s verdict. Prince Laurent, who is 15th in line to the Belgian throne, is known for generating controversy and is sometimes referred to in Belgium as the prince maudit – the “cursed prince.”
Past Controversies
Parliamentary Sanction
In 2018, the Belgian federal parliament took the unusual step of reducing his monthly allowance for a year. This penalty was imposed after Prince Laurent attended a Chinese embassy reception in naval uniform without obtaining prior government authorization.
Other Incidents
- Numerous speeding tickets
- Criticism for holding meetings in Libya during Muammar Gaddafi’s rule