Liechtenstein changes succession law: Daughters can now reign

Liechtenstein is set to make history by altering its ancient laws of succession, opening the door for daughters of the Princely House to rule. This significant shift, announced by Hereditary Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein, moves away from a male-only line of succession that has been in place for over 400 years.

The "house laws" of the Princely House, which are enshrined at the constitutional level, have been internally debated for decades, particularly regarding the equal rights of male and female family members. Late last year, the Princely House revisited the issue, and a required two-thirds majority of eligible family members approved the change this past Wednesday.

"All female descendants of the Princely House will be granted the same participation rights as males in house law matters," Hereditary Prince Alois explained. The succession itself will transition from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture. Previously, the eldest son inherited the title of Hereditary Prince. Now, the eldest child, irrespective of gender, will become the heir apparent.

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All female descendants of the Princely House will be granted the same participation rights as males in house law matters.

The Princely House stated in a press release that this amendment strengthens its "long-term orientation." The reform is designed to guarantee that the throne is consistently occupied by direct descendants who have grown up and received their education in Vaduz. This prevents the possibility of a distant relative from abroad inheriting the throne due to a lack of a male heir.

"With this legal amendment, we want to ensure that both the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely House are ruled by the person who has been best prepared for this task," Hereditary Prince Alois was quoted as saying. While the change is historic, it may be decades before Liechtenstein sees its first ruling Princess, as the current line of succession is still headed by males.

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With this legal amendment, we want to ensure that both the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely House are ruled by the person who has been best prepared for this task.