A Belgian court has ruled against Prince Laurent, the younger brother of King Philippe, denying his appeal for social security benefits while receiving a royal allowance of €388,000 yearly. Although Laurent, who administers an animal welfare charity, argued that his royal duties merit such benefits, the court found he does not qualify as either self-employed or an employee under current legislation. This decision has raised concerns about the prince’s financial future and sparked discussions about the need for legal reforms concerning royal pensions.
Belgian Prince's Social Security Claim Denied Amid Controversy
Belgian Prince's Social Security Claim Denied Amid Controversy
Belgian court rejects Prince Laurent's request for social security benefits despite royal allowance.
Prince Laurent of Belgium, who is currently 61, has made headlines after his request to receive social security benefits on top of his already substantial royal allowance was struck down by a Brussels court. The king's brother collects nearly €388,000 (£295,850; $376,000) in state funds annually but argues that his royal responsibilities, alongside running an animal welfare charity for a decade, entitle him to such benefits.
In his defense, Laurent emphasized that he wasn't solely seeking financial support but was motivated by principle, drawing attention to the rights of social security through Belgian law. He highlighted a comparison with migrants who are guaranteed social security, claiming that he too should receive similar treatment due to his family's foundational role in Belgium. However, the court ruled that Laurent does not fit the definitions of self-employed or an employee, denying him the claimed benefits.
Despite this setback, the judge indicated that due to gaps in Belgian legislation, Laurent should theoretically be eligible for a pension. There are calls for amending the law to rectify this oversight. Laurent's attorney described the request as significant for the symbolism of social security rights that apply to all residents, irrespective of their financial stature.
Currently, Prince Laurent faces a challenging situation; he reportedly spends a significant portion of his allowance on an assistant's salary and other travel costs, leaving him with about €5,000 (£4,300; $5,500) monthly. With his royal allowance expected to diminish after his passing, he has voiced concerns regarding his family's financial wellbeing.
Laurent's decision to pursue legal action against the Belgian state followed a denied application for social security, with a preliminary hearing held back in November 2024. There is ongoing deliberation on whether to escalate the matter further, as the prince, who holds the rank of 15th in the line of succession, has experienced his share of public scrutiny. Known as the "cursed prince" in Belgium, he previously faced backlash over various controversies, including unapproved attendance at events and multiple speeding violations.
In his defense, Laurent emphasized that he wasn't solely seeking financial support but was motivated by principle, drawing attention to the rights of social security through Belgian law. He highlighted a comparison with migrants who are guaranteed social security, claiming that he too should receive similar treatment due to his family's foundational role in Belgium. However, the court ruled that Laurent does not fit the definitions of self-employed or an employee, denying him the claimed benefits.
Despite this setback, the judge indicated that due to gaps in Belgian legislation, Laurent should theoretically be eligible for a pension. There are calls for amending the law to rectify this oversight. Laurent's attorney described the request as significant for the symbolism of social security rights that apply to all residents, irrespective of their financial stature.
Currently, Prince Laurent faces a challenging situation; he reportedly spends a significant portion of his allowance on an assistant's salary and other travel costs, leaving him with about €5,000 (£4,300; $5,500) monthly. With his royal allowance expected to diminish after his passing, he has voiced concerns regarding his family's financial wellbeing.
Laurent's decision to pursue legal action against the Belgian state followed a denied application for social security, with a preliminary hearing held back in November 2024. There is ongoing deliberation on whether to escalate the matter further, as the prince, who holds the rank of 15th in the line of succession, has experienced his share of public scrutiny. Known as the "cursed prince" in Belgium, he previously faced backlash over various controversies, including unapproved attendance at events and multiple speeding violations.
