Belgian Prince Pursues Pension Rights Amid Court Proceedings

The Belgian royal faces a legal battle to secure a pension for himself and his family. Although a court has recommended that legislation be drafted, it rejected his classification of royal duties as a job.

 

In a unique court case, Prince Laurent of Belgium, the younger sibling of King Philippe, has brought attention to the financial implications of royal duties, seeking a state pension that he argues is essential for the wellbeing of his family. Currently, the prince is allocated a royal allowance of €100,000 (approximately $110,000) annually, primarily for attending official functions, but he is concerned about future financial security.

This week, a court partially sided with the prince's claims, suggesting that the Belgian government should contemplate establishing a federal pension for him. However, it dismissed his assertion that his royal responsibilities constitute an official job comparable to self-employment. Laurent's lawyer, Olivier Rijckaert, expressed that the ruling places the prince in a unique position akin to a “super public servant,” noting that only his sister, Princess Astrid, shares this classification.

At 61 years of age, Prince Laurent now faces a decision: wait for potential legislative changes or contest the court's judgment in hopes of expediting the pension process. He initiated the legal proceedings in 2023 against Belgium’s National Institute for the Social Security of the Self-employed, conveying his concerns that the absence of a pension would leave his wife, Princess Claire, and their three adult children financially vulnerable upon his retirement or passing.

Despite a stipend of €400,000 a year, which covers staff salaries and various necessary expenses, the prince is mandated to present documentation for these costs, emphasizing the financial scrutiny surrounding royal spending. As the debate unfolds, the future of royal pensions and their classification continues to raise questions about the nature of royal duties and financial security for their families.