All top stories · This edition

Belgian car salesman Clément Vandenkerckhove gains legal recognition as prince

August 20, 2026

Summary

Clément Vandenkerckhove, the once-secret son of Belgium's Prince Clement, has gained legal recognition as a prince after a town hall ceremony. He is not expected to have royal duties despite his new title.

How coverage differs

  • Left: New Belgian prince: title without duty, highlighting symbolic royal recognition Left-leaning outlets focus on the personal journey of Clément Vandenkerckhove, highlighting the emotional significance of his legal recognition as a prince at 26 years old. They emphasize the human interest aspect of his previously secret royal lineage and the formal ceremony confirming his status.
  • Center: Belgian car salesman gains royal title, no duties expected Center outlets report the factual details of Clément Vandenkerckhove's legal recognition as a Belgian prince, noting his confirmation after his royal parentage was established. They neutrally state that he is not expected to undertake any royal duties despite his new title.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • A Prince at 26: Once-Secret Son of Belgian Royal Gains Legal Recognition

Center

  • Belgian car salesman becomes prince after royal parentage confirmed

More from this edition

  • Russian missiles kill 15 in massive Kyiv strike
  • Court Grants Karmelo Anthony New Murder Trial; Judge Barred
  • Prince Harry, Meghan return to UK after six years in US
  • Wildfires in Europe projected to increase 39% without improved management
  • North Korea fires 10 missiles, dismissing Trump's scaled-back US-South Korea drills
  • Trump threatens ‘Economic D-Day’ for Iran, targets trade partners
  • Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan sentenced to life in prison for fraud
  • Israel opens bids for West Bank settlement project; draws international rebuke