Belgian Prince's Court Bid for Social Security Benefits Denied

Prince Laurent's appeal was rejected despite claims of acting on principle, as the court deemed him neither self-employed nor an employee under current law.

In a recent ruling, Prince Laurent of Belgium has experienced a setback in his bid to secure social security benefits, even as he receives a royal allowance exceeding €388,000 (£295,850; $376,000) annually. The 61-year-old prince, the brother of King Philippe, argued that his royal duties and over a decade's engagement with an animal welfare charity qualified him for state welfare assistance.

During the proceedings, Laurent claimed that his motivations were grounded in principle rather than financial necessity. "When a migrant comes here, he registers, he has a right to [social security]," he asserted to Belgian broadcaster RTBF, maintaining that, like many, he deserves access to social support despite his royal lineage.

On Monday, a Brussels court dismissed Laurent's petition, confirming that he does not fit the criteria for either self-employment or traditional employment categorization. However, the ruling judge acknowledged that due to a legal loophole, the prince technically should have access to a pension, suggesting the necessity for legislative reform.

Laurent's attorney, Olivier Rijckaert, emphasized that the prince's quest is not frivolous, highlighting that Belgian law entitles all residents, irrespective of wealth, to social security benefits. Rijckaert further elaborated that a significant portion of Laurent’s royal allowance is allocated to pay for an assistant and cover various travel expenses, leaving him with roughly €5,000 (£4,300; $5,500) a month.

The prince's concerns also extend to his family's financial future, as their royal allowance is expected to dwindle following his passing. Following a prior application rejection, Laurent initiated legal proceedings against the Belgian state, with a preliminary hearing conducted in November 2024. While he and his legal team have yet to declare an appeal, they continue to assess their options.

Known for his contentious past, the 15th in line to the Belgian throne has been dubbed "the cursed prince" due to several scandals, including a penalty imposed by the federal parliament after an unauthorized visit to a Chinese embassy and brushes with the law, including multiple speeding tickets and controversial meetings during Muammar Gaddafi's regime in Libya.