Prince Laurent and Wendy Van Wanten: a long-rumoured story
With the recognition of his 25-year-old son Clement, Prince Laurent confirms a long-circulating rumour about a past relationship with singer and TV personality Wendy Van Wanten.
Laurent, 61, the younger brother of King Philippe, has long been considered the “enfant terrible” of the royal family. Married since 2003 to Princess Claire, with whom he has three children, the prince has often been in the spotlight for his unconventional lifestyle and controversies.
In 2011, for example, he travelled to Congo against the wishes of the government, and in the 2000s his name appeared in a fraud case around navy contracts, though he was only heard as a witness.
Wendy Van Wanten - real name Iris Vandenkerckhove - became famous in Flanders in the 1980s and 1990s as a model, singer and actress. She was a sex symbol and a popular TV figure. She met Laurent in the mid-1990s, when both were single.
Although they never publicly confirmed a romance, they appeared together at events, such as the wedding of Britain’s Prince Edward in 1999. In 2000, Wendy gave birth to a son, Clement.
Tensions at palace
The link between Clement and the prince was frequently suggested in the press. Laurent’s official recognition now confirms what was widely assumed.
Royalty expert Mario Danneels says he is not surprised: “The physical resemblance was clear, and the name Clement pointed to Villa Clémentine, Laurent’s residence. Wendy Van Wanten also hinted to it a couple of times in her love songs.”
”The physical resemblance was clear, and the name Clement pointed to Villa Clémentine, Laurent’s residence”
According to Danneels, tensions inside the palace contributed to years of silence: “I was once told there were heated disputes between Laurent and his father, King Albert.”
The recognition does not affect the Belgian throne.
Flemish broadcaster VTM will air a documentary on Tuesday evening in which Vandenkerckhove acknowledges that he is the biological child of Prince Laurent.
In the programme, he says he wants to put an end to 25 years of speculation that has overshadowed his life. The broadcaster announced the news on Tuesday.
#FlandersNewsService | Wendy Van Wanten with her son Clement in 2013 © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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