Court to rule if Prince Laurent entitled to social security coverage

The Belgian Labour Court will soon decide whether Prince Laurent is entitled to social security coverage based on the taxes he pays as a self-employed person.

The National Social Security Institute for the Self-Employed (Inasti) has until now denied his claim to benefits, RTBF reports, prompting Prince Laurent to take legal action.

“When I was hospitalised, I was asked to leave quickly because my insurance didn't cover all the costs,” the prince said.

“We're the only Belgians who don't have access to social security. I'm seeking the right to social recognition, is that too much to ask?”

There are three types of working status in Belgium: civil servant, salaried employee and self-employed. Prince Laurent is neither a civil servant nor an employee, but he argues that he works as a freelancer representing the king on various missions. He also takes part in inaugurations and other royal events.

Since the reform of the endowment mechanism in 2013, the prince has received a reduced endowment made up of a "salary" part and a part for operating costs.

He pays taxes on the €90,000 "salary" part of his endowment, but Inasti has claimed that he is not entitled to social security cover or reimbursement of his healthcare costs because they do not consider him to be working, and noted that he receives an annual allowance of €388,000.

But “the prince's allowance corresponds to the income of a senior executive”, according to his lawyer, Olivier Rijckaert, adding that the allowance is granted in return for his duties, and is not guaranteed.

“It's not millions. In Belgium, social security is a right open to anyone in employment, including Prince Laurent.”

Rijckaert noted that the prince participates in about 90 missions a year, plus official visits and meetings where he represents the royal family.

“His diary is impressive, with two or three appearances a week, requiring preparation and travel,” said Rijckaert.

The prince also has an office at the palace where he carries out his duties, all of which Rijckaert said contradicted any idea that he does not work on a regular basis: “To say that he does not work is surreal.”

The rejection of social security benefits has complicated matters for the prince’s family. Princess Claire stopped working as a surveyor to avoid any conflict of interest, so if she falls ill, her healthcare is not covered and if the prince were to die, she would not be entitled to a survivor's pension. The couple’s children also face the same issue.

Prince Laurent said that those were the main reasons that prompted him to bring his case before the court in Brussels. A judgment is expected on 7 April.