The Belgian monarchy is once again at the center of current events after an episode full of symbolism. The royal family has experienced in recent days an unexpected turn that has surprised everyone inside and outside the Royal House.
The story features Prince Lorenzo and his brother, King Philippe of Belgium. Both have taken steps that have transformed not only a young man's life, but also the public perception of the institution itself.
A secret kept for decades
The romance between Prince Lorenzo and singer Wendy Van Wanten began in the 1990s, marked by discretion and secrecy. The relationship never had King Albert II's approval, who considered it inappropriate for a member of the royal family. That constant pressure from the Palace eventually forced the couple to end their romantic story in 1999.
Clément was born from that relationship in 2000, in an environment of silence and without official paternal recognition. For more than two decades, his figure was surrounded by rumors, doubts, and comments that circulated in hushed tones.
That constant murmur fueled speculation both in the press and in public opinion, without any official confirmation. Finally, this year Prince Lorenzo decided to put an end to the doubts and publicly recognized Clément as his son.
King Philippe of Belgium's decisive step
The news of the recognition surprised public opinion and sparked a major debate in Belgium and beyond its borders. The most unexpected part came afterward: after Lorenzo's move, King Philippe intervened to officially close the matter. The monarch signed a Royal Decree granting Clément the title of Prince of Belgium, marking a historic gesture.
Thanks to this decision, the young man will be able to bear the surname Van Saksen-Coburg and receive the treatment of His Royal Highness. However, he won't enter the line of succession or receive any financial allocation from the State.
This gesture, unprecedented in recent history, inevitably recalls the case of Delphine Boël, King Albert II's extramarital daughter recognized in 2020. In both episodes, the Belgian monarchy has been forced to open up to a new reality.
Clément's voice and an open future
A few hours after the official recognition became known, Clément decided to break his silence before public opinion. He did so through a documentary broadcast by Belgian channel VTM, in which he shared personal details of his life. In the program, he recounted aspects of his childhood and spoke openly about the close relationship he keeps with his mother.
In his statements, he assured that his greatest wish is to be able to live normally despite the notoriety of his surname. The young man confessed that since he was a child, he lived with speculation about his origin and comments that were difficult to endure. "I want to leave behind that period of doubts about my father and focus on building my own path," he stated firmly.
Clément also wanted to emphasize that his aspirations are simple and unrelated to material or political interests. He stressed that he doesn't seek prominence or advantages, but rather the peace of a common life far from media pressure. "I just want to be able to go have a beer with him," he said about his father, making clear what he truly values.