Belgian Prince Seeks Pension for Royal Duties

A Belgian court weighs the request of Prince Laurent for a pension linked to his royal responsibilities, amid debates over the nature of princely duties as a form of employment.

A court ruling this week has sparked a significant discussion in Belgium regarding the nature of royal duties and financial security for the monarchy. Prince Laurent of Belgium, brother to King Phillippe, argues that his responsibilities, which include attending events and meeting international dignitaries, warrant a state pension to ensure the financial stability of his family once he is no longer able to fulfill his duties.

Currently, the prince receives a royal allowance of approximately €100,000 (around $110,000) annually. He brought forth his case in 2023 against the National Institute for the Social Security of the Self-employed, contending that without a pension, his wife, Princess Claire, and their three adult children might face financial challenges should he pass away or stop his royal engagements.

During the court proceedings, Prince Laurent's lawyer, Olivier Rijckaert, highlighted that the court had placed the prince in a unique category, labeling him a "super public servant." This distinction currently only extends to one other royal, his sister, Princess Astrid. While the court did not fully endorse Laurent’s claims that his royal role equates to regular employment, it did encourage lawmakers to consider establishing pension regulations for him.

At age 61, Prince Laurent faces a decision: whether to wait for potential legislation to take shape or to appeal the court's decision to expedite the process. Presently, he receives a stipend of €400,000 yearly, most of which is allocated towards staff salaries and operational expenses for his royal duties, all of which require proper documentation, according to his legal counsel.

This case not only raises questions about the responsibilities of royal family members but also about their future financial security, reflecting a broader dialogue about the support and sustainability of constitutional monarchies in modern society. The implications of this case could influence how future royal responsibilities are perceived both legally and socially in Belgium.