Belgium’s Prince Laurent Denied Social Benefits Despite €388,000 Royal Stipend

A Brussels court has rejected Prince Laurent’s unprecedented bid to claim social security benefits atop his €388,000 (£333,000) annual royal allowance and rent-free state accommodation, cementing his reputation as Belgium’s most controversial royal.

The 61-year-old brother of King Philippe argued his dual roles as a working royal and head of an animal welfare charity qualified him as “self-employed,” entitling him to standard welfare protections—a claim dismissed by judges as “unfounded” on April 7.

This decision marks the first of its kind in Belgian history, highlighting the complexities of integrating royal privileges with public welfare systems.

The court ruled Laurent neither qualifies as an employee nor an independent worker, placing his duties closer to civil service roles excluded from Belgium’s social security framework. However, judges acknowledged legislative gaps preventing him from accessing a pension—a right they deemed theoretically justified—and urged legal reforms.

Laurent’s lawyer, Olivier Rijckaert, emphasized the case’s symbolic importance, stating social security should apply “from the poorest to the wealthiest” under Belgian law.

Despite the ruling, Rijckaert noted that most of Laurent’s allowance goes toward staff wages and travel expenses, leaving him with approximately €5,000 (£4,300) monthly, similar to a senior executive’s salary but without full social security coverage.

Laurent framed his appeal as a matter of principle, comparing himself to migrants entitled to social protections: “I may be a migrant too, but one whose family established the state.” His British-born wife, Princess Claire Coombs, and their three adult children face financial uncertainty, as the royal allowance ceases upon Laurent’s death.

This concern underscores the broader implications of royal entitlements and their sustainability across generations. The prince’s financial situation is further complicated by his history of financial mismanagement, including repaying €16,900 in 2014 for improper expenses billed to taxpayers.

Dubbed the “cursed prince” for recurrent controversies, Laurent has clashed with Belgian authorities for decades. His past includes diplomatic breaches, such as attending a 2018 Chinese embassy event in naval uniform without government consent, which triggered a 15% allowance cut.

Additionally, he lost millions in failed reforestation projects under Muammar Gaddafi’s regime and later sought state compensation. Laurent also sparked outrage in 2020 by absolving King Leopold II of Congo atrocities, claiming he “never visited” the colony. These incidents have led to public backlash and internal family tensions, with Laurent accusing his family of “sabotaging” his life and monitoring him “like the Stasi.”

The case underscores tensions between modern welfare systems and archaic royal entitlements. As Belgium grapples with Laurent’s demands, the ruling highlights systemic ambiguities in accommodating royals within public benefit frameworks—a dilemma resonating across European monarchies facing similar scrutiny over privilege and accountability.

Laurent’s situation mirrors grievances voiced by Prince Harry, whom he defended in 2020, condemning Buckingham Palace’s treatment of the Sussexes. The prince has expressed desires to start a “new life” abroad, possibly in Italy, reflecting his ongoing dissatisfaction with his role within the Belgian monarchy.

Laurent is considering an appeal following the court’s decision. His lawyer noted that the judgment was detailed and reasoned, though not the outcome they had hoped for.

The ongoing saga reflects broader debates about the role of royalty in contemporary society and the need for clearer legal frameworks governing their entitlements.