Liechtenstein to change succession rules, allowing women to inherit the throne

Liechtenstein is set to alter its centuries-old rules of royal succession, enabling women to inherit the throne for the first time. Crown Prince Alois announced the change, stating that the principality will transition from male-only primogeniture to absolute primogeniture.

Under the new system, the eldest child will become the heir to the throne, irrespective of their gender. This significant shift was approved by a two-thirds majority of the voting members of the princely family during a meeting on August 12. "The order of succession to the throne will be modified, moving from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture," Prince Alois explained.

However, the change will not affect the current line of succession. It will only apply to descendants born to Prince Alois and his wife, Princess Sophie, from this point forward. Consequently, Alois's eldest son, Prince Joseph Wenzel, remains first in line, followed by his sister, Princess Marie Caroline.

Prince Hans-Adam II remains the head of state, though he delegated most of his duties to his son Alois in 2004. Liechtenstein, a small European nation with around 40,000 inhabitants, is known for its powerful monarchy. Notably, the country only granted women the right to vote in national elections in 1984, making it the last European state to do so. Brigitte Haas is set to become the country's first female prime minister in 2025.

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The order of succession to the throne will be modified, moving from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture. That means that, in the future, the first-born child, regardless of sex, will become the heir to the throne and, subsequently, the Prince or Princess of Liechtenstein.