Liechtenstein Changes Inheritance Rules, Allowing Women to Ascend to the Throne

Liechtenstein's Princely House is rewriting its centuries-old succession rules, embracing a shift from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture. This significant change, officially approved by a two-thirds majority of voting family members, means the eldest child, irrespective of gender, will now inherit the throne. The reform, announced by Hereditary Prince Alois Philipp Maria during Liechtenstein's national day, aims to balance continuity with renewal within the ruling family.

While the change is groundbreaking, it will only apply to future descendants of Hereditary Prince Alois and his wife, Hereditary Princess Sophie. This ensures that the current line of succession remains unaffected for now. Hereditary Prince Alois currently handles many of the duties of his father, Prince Hans-Adam II, who formally remains head of state but delegated most of his powers in 2004.

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The ability to combine continuity and renewal is a principle we cherish within the princely house. In our centuries-old history, it has served us well to make decisions in a long-term and very well-thought-out manner.

The principality, a wealthy nation of 40,000 people bordering Switzerland and Austria, possesses an unusually powerful monarchy for Europe. The Prince holds veto power over referendum results and can appoint judges or dismiss the government. Liechtenstein has a history of conservative traditions, notably granting women the right to vote only in 1984 through a male-only referendum. The nation also saw its first female prime minister, Brigit Has, appointed last year.

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This means that in the future, the firstborn child, regardless of gender, will become the heir to the throne, and later the Princess or Prince of Liechtenstein.