Prince Laurent of Belgium, the 61-year-old younger brother of King Philippe, has sparked controversy once again by seeking social security benefits in addition to his royal allowance. He claims the demand is not about money, but about principle and fairness.
Despite receiving a generous state allowance of €388,000 ($425,000) last year and living rent-free, Prince Laurent believes he is entitled to social security coverage like any other Belgian resident. He argues that since migrants are eligible upon registering, he too, as a citizen and royal, should qualify. “I may be a migrant too, but one whose family established the state in place,” he said in an interview with Belgian broadcaster RTBF.
Prince Laurent’s history of public missteps has often embarrassed the royal family. In 2018, he had his allowance cut by 15% after meeting with foreign dignitaries without government permission—a rare punishment. In 2015, he caused a stir when he compared his family’s treatment of him to the East German Stasi.
Now, Prince Laurent claims his concern lies in the financial future of his wife, Princess Claire, and their three children, all now in their twenties. His royal allowance will cease upon his death, and he says social security would offer more stable protection for his family, especially with medical costs.
Though he earns €5,000 ($5,480) per month in net salary—equivalent to a senior executive in Belgium—his lawyer argues that he lacks standard social security benefits. The majority of his allowance reportedly goes toward work expenses, including travel and a staff member’s wages.
Prince Laurent has managed an animal welfare foundation for over a decade, offering free veterinary services, and he claims his ongoing public engagements and board roles make him a full-time worker deserving of benefits under Belgium’s system for independent entrepreneurs.
His lawyer, Olivier Rijckaert, emphasized that social security is “a right granted by Belgian law to every resident, from the poorest to the biggest billionaire.” He added that the legal action Laurent initiated was not a “whim,” but a step toward rightful inclusion.
The case was first heard in November 2024, and while the judgment will not be made public, a decision is expected to be sent to the involved parties on Monday.
This is not the first time a member of Belgium’s royal family has voiced discontent about finances. Former King Albert II, who abdicated in 2013, once said his annual post-abdication allowance of €923,000 ($1.25 million) was insufficient.
Prince Laurent has been vocal about his desire to break free from what he sees as excessive control. “I never asked for an allowance! I always wanted to work, but I was prevented from doing so,” he said in 2023. Now, he hopes to finally pursue independent ventures—and gain the same social protections afforded to everyday Belgians.