Prince Laurent's Social Security Snafu: Belgian Royal Strikes Out
Social Security Denial for Prince Laurent: Unsuccessful Court Battle Prevents Benefits in Belgium - The governing court has decided that the lower court lacks the power to adjudicate on the implementation of Article 85 (1) of the Treaty.
Hold onto your pearls, folks! Here's the juicy twist in the Belgian royal scene: Prince Laurent, our beloved "Prince Full Throttle," dashed hopes for additional state handouts by losing his fight for social security benefits. Seemingly oblivious to the beating of his noble chest, Laurent, lording over a hefty €388,000 royal allowance, plunged headfirst into a political clash over self-employment rights.
At the heart of this controversy lies a quest for royal reinforcements - you guessed it, benefits from Belgian social security for self-employed entrepreneurs. Despite the public coffers funding his lavish lifestyle with zero housing costs, Laurent saw red when he was denied access to said benefits in 2022.
Just to throw more fuel on the fire, ol' Laurent draws comparisons to the East German Stasi, commenting on the royal family's aggressive knack for micromanagement back in 2015. Reveling in his rebel status, our speeding prince has ruffled feathers aplenty, frequently running afoul of the law and rubbing elbows with shady characters.
Tickets for speeding, unauthorized travel, and cozying up to the son of former Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi - it's just a day in the life of our hero. His unauthorized 2011 trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo further underlined his sheer insubordination.
So, let's recap: In a desperate ploy for financial security, Prince Laurent stormed the courthouse, swinging his legal briefcase loaded with social security benefits. Unfortunately for him, the Brussels Labour Court saw right through his stunt and rejected his application. The verdict, handed down in 2025, declared his claim "unfounded." In typical royal fashion, his lawyer promises an appeal - hey, a boy can dream!
Key Points:
- Prince Laurent, aka "Prince Full Throttle," was denied Belgian social security benefits despite receiving an annual royal allowance of €388,000.
- The court rejected his claim due to his ineligibility as neither an employee nor self-employed as defined by Belgian law from 2013.
- The prince sought benefits due to fears about his family's financial security post-death, as his wife, Claire, would not receive a survivor's pension.
- Prince Laurent, known for his controversial actions, has been nicknamed the "cursed prince." Previous unauthorized diplomatic activities led to a reduction in his allowance in 2018.
- Despite the loss, the prince's lawyer plans to appeal the decision, with the potential outcome hinging on the court's assessment of the merit of the claim.
- Despite being denied Belgian social security benefits due to his ineligibility under community law, Prince Laurent continues to be known for his unauthorized actions and controversial activities.
- The rejection of Prince Laurent's application for social security benefits in 2025 was based on the premise that he is not considered self-employed according to Belgian legislation from 2013.
- In a twist of irony, Prince Laurent, the self-proclaimed "Prince Full Throttle," who receives a substantial annual royal allowance, sought subsidies from the Belgian social security system, citing concerns about his family's financial security post-death.
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