Liechtenstein Abolishes Male Primogeniture in Throne Succession

Liechtenstein, the small principality situated between Switzerland and Austria, has abolished the male-first rule in its line of succession for the throne. This historic decision allows the eldest daughter within the ruling family to inherit the position, effectively granting equal rights to both genders within the royal family.

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A change is happening in the succession system that aims to give priority in inheriting the throne to the eldest child, instead of it being exclusive to the eldest male.

The announcement was made on Saturday, coinciding with the nation's National Day. The ruling House of Liechtenstein stated in a declaration that the "change in the succession system aims to give priority in inheriting the throne to the eldest child, instead of it being exclusive to the eldest male." Consequently, in the future, the eldest child, regardless of gender, will inherit the throne and become Prince or Princess of Liechtenstein.

Liechtenstein operates under a constitutional monarchy. While Prince Hans-Adam II has officially headed the state since 1989, his son Alois, the Crown Prince and Regent, has handled most official duties since 2004. Prince Alois, in a statement, explained that the change "aims to ensure that the person most prepared to bear responsibility is the one who will lead the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely Family."

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In the future, the eldest child, regardless of gender, will inherit the throne and become Prince or Princess of Liechtenstein.

Prince Alois and his wife, Princess Hereditary Sophie, have four children. Their eldest son, Joseph Wenzel Maximilian Maria, was born in 1995. This reform marks a significant step towards gender equality within one of Europe's smallest monarchies.

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This change aims to ensure that the person most prepared to bear responsibility is the one who will lead the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely Family.