In a recent ruling, a Belgian court dismissed Prince Laurent's request for social security benefits, stating that his royal duties do not classify him as self-employed or as an employee. The prince, who is the younger brother of King Philippe, currently receives an annual royal allowance of €388,000 (£295,850; $376,000) but argued that he should qualify for state support due to his involvement in various charitable endeavors, including an animal welfare organization he has operated for a decade.
However, the Brussels court ruled otherwise, asserting that Laurent does not meet the criteria for social benefits under Belgian law. The judge did acknowledge that Laurent could potentially be entitled to a pension, highlighting gaps in current legislation that hinder this entitlement and suggesting necessary amendments.
Laurent, 61, who has openly stated that he pursued this legal action out of "principle," emphasized that social security should be available to all residents of Belgium, irrespective of their wealth. His lawyer, Olivier Rijckaert, indicated that the appeal wasn't made lightly but rather symbolized the equitable distribution of social security.
Although most of his allowance is allocated to paying his assistant's salary and traveling expenses, leaving him with approximately €5000 (£4300; $5500) per month, Laurent expressed dismay over facing medical expenses without additional support from social security. He has also raised concerns about his family's financial future posthumously, given that his allowance would cease upon his death.
The court's decision follows the prince's prior controversies, including receiving a temporary reduction in his allowance due to attending a reception at a Chinese embassy without governmental approval while adorned in naval uniform. He has also faced criticism for past speeding violations and his engagements in Libya during Gaddafi's regime.
Currently, it remains undecided whether Laurent and his legal team will pursue an appeal against the ruling, as speculations regarding the implications of this case continue to emerge in Belgian society.
However, the Brussels court ruled otherwise, asserting that Laurent does not meet the criteria for social benefits under Belgian law. The judge did acknowledge that Laurent could potentially be entitled to a pension, highlighting gaps in current legislation that hinder this entitlement and suggesting necessary amendments.
Laurent, 61, who has openly stated that he pursued this legal action out of "principle," emphasized that social security should be available to all residents of Belgium, irrespective of their wealth. His lawyer, Olivier Rijckaert, indicated that the appeal wasn't made lightly but rather symbolized the equitable distribution of social security.
Although most of his allowance is allocated to paying his assistant's salary and traveling expenses, leaving him with approximately €5000 (£4300; $5500) per month, Laurent expressed dismay over facing medical expenses without additional support from social security. He has also raised concerns about his family's financial future posthumously, given that his allowance would cease upon his death.
The court's decision follows the prince's prior controversies, including receiving a temporary reduction in his allowance due to attending a reception at a Chinese embassy without governmental approval while adorned in naval uniform. He has also faced criticism for past speeding violations and his engagements in Libya during Gaddafi's regime.
Currently, it remains undecided whether Laurent and his legal team will pursue an appeal against the ruling, as speculations regarding the implications of this case continue to emerge in Belgian society.
