Belgian car salesman becomes prince after DNA test proves royal parentage
A 26-year-old Belgian car salesman, Clément Vandenkerckhove, has been legally recognized as the son of Prince Laurent, the king's brother, after a DNA test confirmed his royal lineage. His mother, a singer, revealed his father's identity when he was 16. The recognition grants him inheritance rights to Laurent's private estate but no royal allowance, official duties, or claim to the throne. Vandenkerckhove may take the Saxe-Coburg name but has expressed pride in his current surname.
If I were to sacrifice that family name, it would be a betrayal of everything my mother has done for me.
- acheron
Oh, I saw this one. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Ralph
- jdeibele
Was reading that many European countries have "forced heirship" which means that varying amounts - 50% to 75% is typical - have to be left to spouse/children.
I was representative in the US for my aunt and she and her husband specifically disinherited his two daughters from his first marriage. It was interesting that this was simply not allowed in other countries.
Anyway, time to take his dad mountain climbing, caving, scuba diving, ...
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=5d80ec56-4c29...
- thomasfl
The Fresh Prince of Bel...gium.
- ninjagoo
So no merit, effort or capability-based gains; instead a straight title, prestige, wealth and inheritance gain through DNA, over which no offspring has any control.
- grubbs
Damn! All those Hallmark movies just became documentaries!