A Belgian prince is making headlines as he seeks a state pension to provide financial security for his family, arguing that his royal responsibilities warrant such support.
Is Being Royal a Job? Belgian Prince Pushes for State Pension
Is Being Royal a Job? Belgian Prince Pushes for State Pension
Prince Laurent of Belgium argues for a pension to secure his family's future as a court considers his claims regarding royal duties.
In a recent court ruling regarding the financial future of Prince Laurent of Belgium, the judge has partially backed his claim for a state pension. The 61-year-old prince, who receives an annual allowance of €400,000 (approximately $440,000), is advocating for compensation to protect his wife, Princess Claire, and their three adult children in the event of his retirement or death.
Laurent, the younger brother of King Philippe, argues that his royal duties, which include attending events and engaging in diplomatic relations, are akin to a conventional job. However, the court dismissed his characterization of royal work as self-employment. His attorney, Olivier Rijckaert, compared the prince's role to that of a “super public servant,” a status shared only with his sister, Princess Astrid.
The court's decision allows law makers to consider establishing a pension for Prince Laurent. He is currently deliberating whether to wait for legislation or contest the ruling to accelerate the process. The prince's substantial allowance serves primarily to cover staff salaries and various expenses, necessitating detailed justifications for all claims made, as stated by his legal counsel.
The legal intra-institutional discourse raises intriguing questions about the nature of royal responsibilities, financial security, and the expectations of modern monarchy in Belgium.
Laurent, the younger brother of King Philippe, argues that his royal duties, which include attending events and engaging in diplomatic relations, are akin to a conventional job. However, the court dismissed his characterization of royal work as self-employment. His attorney, Olivier Rijckaert, compared the prince's role to that of a “super public servant,” a status shared only with his sister, Princess Astrid.
The court's decision allows law makers to consider establishing a pension for Prince Laurent. He is currently deliberating whether to wait for legislation or contest the ruling to accelerate the process. The prince's substantial allowance serves primarily to cover staff salaries and various expenses, necessitating detailed justifications for all claims made, as stated by his legal counsel.
The legal intra-institutional discourse raises intriguing questions about the nature of royal responsibilities, financial security, and the expectations of modern monarchy in Belgium.
