A recent court ruling in Brussels has denied Belgian Prince Laurent’s attempt to claim social security benefits on top of his substantial royal allowance, which amounts to nearly €388,000 (£295,850; $376,000) annually. The prince, the younger brother of King Philippe, argued that his role as a royal and his decade-long involvement with an animal welfare charity entitled him to additional support, as he identifies as partially self-employed.

Laurent, 61, known to voice concerns about his family's financial future, stated he sought these benefits out of "principle" rather than financial necessity. He pointed out that migrants can access social welfare in Belgium, comparing his situation to that of newcomers. However, the court ruled against him, indicating he neither qualifies as self-employed nor an employee regarding social security eligibility.

Despite the court acknowledging that Laurent should be entitled to a pension, they cited legislative gaps preventing it. His lawyer, Olivier Rijckaert, emphasized that Laurent's claim reflected a broader principle of social security entitled to all residents, urging for legislative changes. The prince, often referred to as the “cursed prince” in Belgium due to past controversies, now faces ongoing uncertainty about financial security as his allowance is set to cease upon his death. Laurent's future legal actions regarding the ruling are yet to be decided.