As concern grows over Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway’s upcoming lung transplant due to the worsening pulmonary fibrosis she suffers from, another health revelation has shaken Europe’s royal circles. Archduke Lorenz of Austria-Este, who became a prince through his marriage to Princess Astrid of Belgium, has been battling cancer.
Although the diagnosis has only now become public, the brother-in-law of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde has kept his illness completely private for the past five years, undergoing multiple surgeries and treatments during that time.
The news was confirmed to Belgian outlet HLN by family friend and spokesperson Hervé Verhoosel.
“Prince Lorenz has been diagnosed with cancer,” Verhoosel said.
He also shared details about the timeline of the illness, which dates back to 2021, when strict pandemic-related health measures were still in place.
“He underwent surgery in mid-2021. Later, at the end of 2022, a recurrence was diagnosed, which required additional treatment in the spring of 2023,” Verhoosel explained.
Amid the concern and speculation sparked by the news, the family has also sought to reassure the public that his condition is progressing positively.
“Prince Lorenz continues to attend regular medical checkups, but he remains active. Throughout his treatment, he was able to count on the unwavering support of Princess Astrid and their children,” he added.
The prince has also continued his professional responsibilities as co-owner and board member of Gutzwiller, a private bank headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
© Pool BENAINOUS/HOUNSFIELDFrom His Marriage to Princess Astrid to a Large Family
On September 22, 1984, Archduke Lorenz of Austria-Este, grandson of the last Emperor of Austria, officially joined the Belgian royal family when he married Princess Astrid, who at the time was the niece of King Baudouin. Her father, Albert II, would not ascend the throne until nearly a decade later.
The couple celebrated both civil and religious wedding ceremonies, an event that captivated the entire country. It was one of the most significant royal occasions Brussels had seen in years and drew representatives from numerous royal houses, including Spain’s Queen Sofía and her daughters, Infantas Elena and Cristina.
Over the years, Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz have built a large family with their five children: Prince Amedeo, Princess Maria Laura, Prince Joachim, Princess Luisa Maria, and Princess Laetitia Maria of Belgium.
They are also proud grandparents to four grandchildren, ranging in age from one to ten, who remain the center of their world.
Engagements Prince Lorenz Attended During Treatment
Princess Astrid has held several prominent positions throughout her public life, including serving as president of the Belgian Red Cross, a senator by right, and a colonel in the Belgian Armed Forces. Today, she is involved in scientific, medical, and economic initiatives, helping strengthen Belgium’s commercial ties abroad.
With an active royal schedule, Astrid is often accompanied by her husband, who has maintained a visible public presence throughout his years of treatment despite his diagnosis.
© GTRESJust last month, the couple attended the opening ceremony of the 42nd National Special Olympics Games of Belgium.
They have also appeared together at Belgium’s National Day celebrations, the traditional pre–National Day concert, Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, the royal New Year reception, King’s Day events, and the Paralympic Games, among many other engagements.
His frequent appearances throughout this period reflect Prince Lorenz’s resilience and determination as he continues to face the challenges of living with cancer.
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