Belgian Royal Struggles: Prince Laurent's Social Security Bid Denied

In a significant ruling, Prince Laurent's pursuit for additional social security benefits alongside his annual royal funding was dismissed by a Brussels court, raising questions about royal privileges and equality under law.

Belgian prince Laurent, the younger sibling of King Philippe, has faced a court's refusal in his bid to claim social security benefits on top of his substantial annual allowance. Despite receiving €388,000 (£295,850; $376,000) from state funds last year, Prince Laurent claimed that his royal duties and his involvement in an animal welfare charity justified his entitlement to government support.

At 61, Laurent argued his position of “principle” rather than purely financial gain; however, the court ruled that he did not qualify as self-employed or an employee under existing legislation. “When a migrant comes here, he registers, he has a right to [social security],” he stated to Belgian broadcaster RTBF, emphasizing his connection to the state due to his family's historical ties.

The judgment resulted in disappointment, with the court suggesting that although it recognized a legislative gap regarding royal pensions, a legal amendment was necessary for resolution. Prince Laurent's attorney, Olivier Rijckaert, defended the claim positing social security is a right afforded to all Belgian residents, irrespective of wealth.

Following the ruling, it was revealed that the majority of the prince's allowance goes towards covering his assistant’s salary and travel expenses, leaving him around €5,000 (£4,300; $5,500) monthly without additional benefits such as medical reimbursements. The prince's concern for his family's welfare is heightened by the fact that his royal funding will diminish upon his passing.

Laurent, who ranks 15th in the Belgian royal succession, has had his share of controversies, earning him the nickname “the cursed prince.” In an infamous incident in 2018, he faced a one-year reduction in his allowance for attending an event without government consent while in naval uniform. His history of transgressions includes receiving multiple speeding fines and meeting with the regime of the late Muammar Gaddafi in Libya.

The prince and his legal team are currently deliberating whether to challenge the court's decision after the initial hearing that took place in November 2024.