Prince Lorenz of Belgium Recovering from Cancer

Prince Lorenz of Belgium, the 70-year-old husband of Princess Astrid, is recovering from cancer, the couple’s spokesperson has confirmed. The announcement, first reported by Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN), marks the first time the royal family has publicly addressed his health battle, which began several years ago.

A Private Health Journey

According to Hervé Verhoosel, a family friend and private spokesperson for the couple, Prince Lorenz underwent surgery for cancer in mid-2021. At the end of 2022, a relapse was detected, requiring a new course of treatment in the spring of 2023. The type of cancer has not been disclosed.

“Prince Lorenz was indeed confronted with cancer,” Verhoosel said in a statement. “He underwent surgery in mid-2021. At the end of 2022, a relapse was detected, which required new treatment in the spring of 2023.”

VRT NWS, the Belgian public broadcaster, reported that the prince now undergoes regular check-ups but continues his daily activities. Verhoosel emphasized that Lorenz wishes to reassure the public about his condition.

“Today, Prince Lorenz still goes for regular check-ups, but he continues his activities,” Verhoosel said. “During his treatment, he could count on the constant support of Princess Astrid and their children.”

The Quiet Force Behind the Throne

Prince Lorenz Otto Carl Amadeus Thadeus Maria Pius Andreas Marcus d’Aviano was born on December 16, 1955, near Paris, France. A member of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, he is an Archduke of Austria-Este and a Prince of Hungary. He married Princess Astrid, the sister of King Filip of Belgium, on September 22, 1984, after the couple met on a sailing trip in Greece.

Described as “the least visible Belgian royal” and “the quiet force behind Princess Astrid,” Lorenz has maintained a professional career alongside his royal role. For most of his career, he has worked at E. Gutzwiller & Cie., a private bank in Basel, Switzerland, where he rose to become managing partner and co-owner. His eldest son, Prince Amedeo, has since taken over his role as managing partner, though Lorenz remains a co-owner and board member.

AD.nl reported that Lorenz’s public appearances have always been limited to official family events such as National Day, King’s Day, and religious ceremonies. Behind the scenes, he has served as Princess Astrid’s closest advisor and confidant.

Princess Astrid’s Own Health Struggles

The news of Lorenz’s recovery comes amid ongoing health challenges for Princess Astrid, 64. Between 2013 and 2025, she led Belgian trade missions, a role that took a significant toll on her health. Due to a combination of fear of failure and stress, she suffered from severe sleep problems. In 2018, she came close to burnout and withdrew from public life for four months on doctor’s advice.

She was hospitalized multiple times with exhaustion after trade missions. In December 2025, she stepped down from leading Belgian economic missions on doctor’s advice. Queen Mathilde has temporarily taken over this role, pending Crown Princess Elisabeth.

A Family United

Prince Lorenz and Princess Astrid have five children: Prince Amedeo (40), Princess Maria Laura (37), Prince Joachim (34), Princess Luisa Maria (30), and Princess Laetitia Maria (23). They also have four grandchildren.

According to Royalty-online.nl, the family has rallied around Lorenz throughout his treatment. The couple, who will celebrate 42 years of marriage this September, have faced their health challenges with characteristic discretion.

What’s Next

While the exact prognosis remains private, the spokesperson’s statement that Lorenz continues his activities and undergoes regular check-ups suggests a positive outlook. The royal family has not indicated whether the prince will reduce his professional commitments going forward.

The news provides a measure of relief for the Belgian monarchy, which has faced several health challenges in recent years. For Prince Lorenz, known for his quiet dedication to both his family and his career, the recovery marks a hopeful chapter after a long and private battle.