Royal Duties or Employment? Prince Laurent of Belgium Pursues Pension Rights

Prince Laurent's push for a pension highlights the tension between royal duties and employment rights.

Prince Laurent of Belgium, known for his ceremonial roles at events, might soon receive a state pension if lawmakers heed recent court suggestions. The Belgian prince, 61, has filed a case asserting that his royal duties should be classified similarly to a job, warranting financial protection for his wife, Princess Claire, and their three adult children. This week, a court partially supported his claim, allowing for discussions on establishing a federal pension, although it rejected his argument equating royal service to self-employment.

Laurent’s legal representative, Olivier Rijckaert, described the decision as putting the prince in a unique category, alongside his sister, Princess Astrid, who is also recognized in this manner. As the younger brother of King Philippe, Prince Laurent receives an annual allowance of €100,000, with an additional stipend of €400,000 allocated for his staff and expenses, which require detailed documentation, as outlined by Rijckaert.

Seeking financial assurance for his family’s future, Laurent's initiative underscores a broader debate surrounding the roles and entitlements of royal family members. He must now decide whether to await legislative developments or challenge the court's limits to accelerate the pension discussions.