Belgian prince loses legal battle to receive social security benefits on top of royal allowance
GuardianAPR 5
Belgian Prince Loses Legal Bid for Social Security Benefits
Above: Prince Laurent of Belgium attends the 21 July 2024 Belgian national day military and civil parade in Brussels. Image copyright: Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Stringer/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Social security is a fundamental right granted by Belgian law to all residents, from the poorest to the wealthiest, and the prince's request wasn't based on financial need but on principle, as he performs legitimate work through his royal duties and charitable foundation.
Narrative B
The royal family already receives substantial benefits including a generous allowance and free housing, and extending social security benefits would be an unnecessary burden on the state system, especially given the prince's history of controversial actions and unauthorized diplomatic engagements.