Liechtenstein Changes Succession Rules

Liechtenstein is amending its rules of succession, moving from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture. This significant change means that the eldest child, irrespective of gender, will become the heir to the throne and future Prince or Princess of Liechtenstein.

The announcement was made on the country's national day. The Princely House stated that this reform grants women equal rights within the ruling family. Liechtenstein operates as a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Hans-Adam II serving as head of state since 1989. However, his son, Hereditary Prince Alois, has been handling most official duties since 2004.

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The order of succession to the throne is being changed from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture. This means that in the future, the eldest child, regardless of gender, will become the heir to the throne and later the Prince or Princess of Liechtenstein.

Prince Alois explained the rationale behind the change, stating, "With this change in law, we want to ensure that both the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely House are led by the person who is best prepared for this responsibility." Alois and his wife, Princess Sophie, have four children, the eldest being Prince Joseph Wenzel Maximilian Maria, born in 1995.

The Princely family, originating from Lower Austria, acquired the County of Vaduz and the Lordship of Schellenberg in 1699 and 1712. These territories were unified in 1719 and granted the status of an imperial principality. Liechtenstein is a small European country with approximately 40,000 inhabitants.

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With this change in law, we want to ensure that both the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely House are led by the person who is best prepared for this responsibility.