Belgium’s ex-king Albert II, faced with daily US$5,600 fine, agrees to DNA test in love-child case
- DNA test is a major moment in the long battle between Albert and sculptor Delphine Boel who claims ex-king is her father
- Albert has always refused to acknowledge that he could be her father, but has indirectly confessed to a past infidelity
A decades-old royal paternity scandal is setting Belgium abuzz again.
Lawyers said Tuesday that Belgium’s former King Albert II, 84, has finally agreed to a DNA test demanded by a woman who claims to be his daughter in what could be a decisive breakthrough in the long-running case.
The news of the former king’s acquiescence had already pushed Sunday’s Belgium election results with its extreme right gains into second place on the local news.
Boel has been trying to establish paternity for years and her story has often made headlines. Albert has never publicly denied being her father but so far had refused to provide DNA.
A statement from Albert’s lawyer, delivered to the Belgian media, said after the former monarch had taken note of the judgment two weeks ago, which imposed the daily fine, he would submit to the test “out of respect to the judicial authorities”.
It was made clear the move did not imply any admission of guilt.