Belgian prince to wed British-born girlfriend
Belgian Prince Laurent (R) is seen during an official announcement of his engagement to Claire Coombs (L) in Brussels'Laken Royal Castle, 19 December 2002. AFP PHOTO EPA-BELGA / OLIVIER HOSLET
BRUSSELS (AFP) - Belgium's Prince Laurent, known as the enfant terrible of the royal family, is to marry his British-born girlfriend Claire Coombs next April, the royal palace said Thursday.
The 39-year-old prince, the second son of King Albert II, will wed the 28-year-old, who has a British father and a Belgian mother, on April 12 in Brussels, it announced in a statement.
Under Belgium's constitution, the prince's choice had to be approved by the government. Otherwise he would have lost his right to the crown.
Prince Laurent, who lists his interests as fast cars as well as protecting nature and animals, is the youngest son of King Albert II and Queen Paola.
He has made headlines in his homeland by being caught several times speeding. During a spell in the navy he qualified as a diver and a helicopter pilot. He also heads an animal welfare foundation.
The prince is eighth in line to the throne, after his elder brother Philippe and his daughter Elisabeth, as well as his sister Astrid and her children.
Coombs was born on January 18 1974 in Bath, and has dual nationality. She grew up in Wavre, outside Brussels, and is a surveyor. After the wedding she will become a princess.