Prince Laurent of Belgium, who receives an annual royal allowance of 100,000 euros (approximately $110,000), is seeking government benefits as he contemplates his future after royal duties. A recent court ruling partially supported his request, suggesting that lawmakers consider establishing a federal pension for him, while rejecting his claim that his royal responsibilities constitute employment comparable to self-employment.
His lawyer, Olivier Rijckaert, stated that the court has categorized the prince as a “super public servant,” a designation shared only with his sister, Princess Astrid. At 61 years old, Prince Laurent is now faced with the decision to either wait for legislative action or challenge the court's ruling to expedite the process.
The prince initiated legal proceedings in 2023 against Belgium’s National Institute for the Social Security of the Self-employed, arguing that without a pension, his family would face financial insecurity if he were to cease his duties or pass away. Court documents reveal that he receives a stipend of €400,000 annually, with a significant portion allocated to staff salaries and various expenses, leaving him with a net income of approximately €60,000 after taxes.
This situation has sparked a debate in Belgium regarding the nature of royal duties and whether they should be recognized as legitimate work. Rijckaert has previously argued that the prince's income is comparable to that of a senior executive, who enjoys full social security benefits, unlike the prince and his family.
Prince Laurent, often referred to as “the cursed prince,” has a history of controversies, including a 2011 incident that nearly cost him his stipend due to unauthorized diplomatic meetings. In 2018, he faced a 15 percent reduction in his annual allowance for attending an unsanctioned event in full naval uniform. Additionally, he has been fined for traffic violations, including speeding and driving an unregistered vehicle.