Princess Laurentien. © Brunopress

'Princess Laurentien still has too much influence within the foundation for helping allowance parents'

Princess Laurentien still has an “important, if not decisive, influence” within the (Equal) Worthy Recovery Foundation, which assists those affected by the benefits scandal. This is stated in an opinion from law firm NautaDutilh, which Secretary of State Sandra Palmen (Allowances) sent to the House of Representatives on Thursday.

Internal Editors 27-03-25, 13:43 Last update: 27-03-25, 13:49

Laurentien resigned from SGH last year after officials involved in the allowance recovery complained about her behavior. Now that the foundation is getting a larger role in compensating victims, NautaDutilh has been asked to see if the management and supervision of the foundation have been properly arranged.

The princess still seems to have a lot to say behind the scenes at SGH. The statutes give the founders a “weighty voice” and a major influence on the composition of the supervisory board. Laurentien also derives additional authority from her membership in the Royal House, according to the law firm.

Partly due to Laurentien's still deep involvement in the day-to-day business, governance at SGH does not meet the requirements, NautaDutilh concludes. There is a lack of sufficient checks and balances. She would be better off given an “ambassadorial role”, “without associated formal or factual control”.

Law firm Lindenbaum, which assists SGH, calls NautaDutilh's criticism “false”. According to the foundation, the founders, including Laurentien, have no control. “The autonomy of the board (or the supervisory board) is not threatened in a relevant way.” Lindenbaum calls the identified problems with governance “theoretical and wanted”.