Crisis rumours surround marriage of Prince Laurent

[Mia]

Hello: Crisis rumours surround marriage of Prince Laurent

Prince Laurent of Belgium's marriage to his British-born wife Princess Claire is reportedly in trouble.

According to sources consulted by Belgian magazine Story, the couple - who wed in April 2003 - will publicly announce their separation within weeks.

The publication states the princess feels overwhelmed by her husband's bouts of depression and his mood changes. She was also said to be unhappy about his low involvement in domestic matters.

Speculation about a serious marital crisis is not new. Rumours surfaced in November when mum-of-three Claire didn't attend the King's Day celebrations.

The explanation for her absence was that it wouldn't have been possible to find a nanny for her children to time - a justification that was debated by the Belgian press.

Another sign that would suggest problems for the royal couple is the frequent visits that princess makes to the home of her parents, without the company of her husband.

However the couple's good friend Guy Gilbert - the priest who married them - insists that all is well between them.

Such a shame if true... But somehow doesn't surprises me. I've always heard storie about his mental problems (depressions, mood changes). He's also always being connected with shady businesses and not a fan of protocol...

[Serene Grace]

Too bad.

The wedding seems like it was yesterday.  

 I'll wait for more details. It sounds like there was problems all around.

According to sources consulted by Belgian magazine Story, the couple - who wed in April 2003 - will publicly announce their separation within weeks.

The publication states the princess feels overwhelmed by her husband's bouts of depression and his mood changes. She was also said to be unhappy about his low involvement in domestic matters.

[Mia]

Claire's wedding gown is one of my fav. She looked lovely!

There was rumours that he also doesn't have a good relationship with his family. Remember seeing years ago a story about him not getting too well with late King Baudouin. Seems that the late Kimg disliked him because something related with religion... Also that Crown Prince Philippe was furious with him when he and his laywers tried to bring him up during his questioning in a curruption scandal in 2007 (funds of the Belgian Navy were spent on the Laurent's villa). Due to some public and political pressure, King Albert was forced to issue a special decree for him being able to testify in the case. Since then, there has been stories about hard and cold relations not only with his elder brother but also his parents...

[Serene Grace]

Another  Royal marriage soon bites the dust. That is sad.

However the couple's good friend Guy Gilbert - the priest who married them - insists that all is well between them. -HELLO!

....but....maybe they'll be able to work it out.   

[benign]

whatever happens, best of luck to both and their children.

[berlin]

I wonder what kind of parents the King and Queen were.

[Serene Grace]

I loved their wedding. She looked very elegant.

What was her bacckground? I read she was in business or something, but what was her family unit or family history like I wonder too?

[Mia]

Princess Claire was born in England (I think she still has her double nationality - english/belgian) and still works as a property surveyor. Her father is british and her mother is belgian. She moved to Belgium when she was 3 years old and has a brother and a sister. Her parents are still married and run a familly bussiness together.

Here you can find more info about Claire and her family

http://www.monarchie.be/royal-family/princess-claire