Laurent Loses Bid To Claim Social Security Benefits On Top Of Receiving Royal Allowance
Posted by karenl on April 8, 2025, 2:13 am
"A Belgian prince's attempt to claim social security benefits on top of his six-figure royal allowance has been rejected by a court.
Prince Laurent - the younger brother of King Philippe - received €388,000 (£295,850; $376,000) from state funds last year but said that his work entitles him and his family to social security.
He had argued that he was partly self-employed because of the duties he carries out as a royal, as well as running an animal welfare charity for the past decade.
Laurent, 61, said he was acting out of "principle" rather than for money. The court disagreed.
"When a migrant comes here, he registers, he has a right to [social security]," he told Belgian broadcaster RTBF.
"I may be a migrant too, but one whose family established the state in place."
I don't buy the "acting on principle claim", it makes no sense. He wants the extra money and the Court said no.