**Belgian Prince's Court Appeal for Social Benefits Denied Despite Royal Allowance**

In a ruling that highlights the complexities of social security eligibility, a Belgian court denied Prince Laurent's appeal, illuminating the intersection of royal status and social welfare rights.

In a recent court ruling, Prince Laurent of Belgium has lost his attempt to secure social security benefits on top of his royal allowance, which amounted to €388,000 (£295,850; $376,000) from state funds last year. The prince, who is the younger brother of King Philippe, argued that his royal duties, including running an animal welfare charity for a decade, warranted eligibility for such benefits. He maintained that his claims were grounded in principle rather than financial necessity, stating, "When a migrant comes here, he registers, he has a right to [social security]."

However, the Brussels court determined that Prince Laurent could neither be classified as self-employed nor as an employee, leading to the dismissal of his request. The ruling has generated a debate around the implications of social security law, as the presiding judge noted that while the prince could potentially qualify for a pension, legislative gaps rendered this pursuit unfeasible.

Laurent's attorney, Olivier Rijckaert, emphasized the symbolic nature of the request, arguing that Belgian law provides social security to all residents regardless of their financial standing. He further explained that most of Laurent's allowance is allocated towards expenses related to his assistant and travel, leaving the prince with around €5000 (£4300; $5500) per month without any social security benefits, such as medical expense reimbursements.

Expressing concerns for his family's financial security in the event of his death, Laurent initiated legal proceedings against the Belgian government following the rejection of his benefits application, with the first hearing taking place in November 2024. While he has not confirmed whether to appeal the latest verdict, the situation highlights Prince Laurent's ongoing legal and social challenges.

Often labeled the "cursed prince" due to a history of controversies, Laurent's belief in his rights underscores a broader dialogue about societal roles and responsibilities, especially for those of royal lineage. His previous actions, including unauthorized attendance at a Chinese embassy function in naval uniform and various speeding infractions, have garnered public scrutiny and further complicated his standing in Belgium.