Historic Shift: Liechtenstein Allows Women to Inherit Throne
Liechtenstein's royal house is set to change its succession rules, allowing women to inherit the throne through absolute primogeniture. Hereditary Prince Alois announced the shift, though it will only apply to future descendants of his children, not altering the current line. This marks a significant move for the historically conservative, yet powerfully monarchical, European nation.
Liechtenstein’s royal house has officially announced a landmark change to its rules of succession, paving the way for women to inherit the principality's throne in the future. Hereditary Prince Alois, the current regent who holds most of the monarch's powers, confirmed the significant amendment, stating it had received the necessary two-thirds majority approval from eligible family members.
Prince Alois emphasized the royal house’s commitment to "continuity and renewal," highlighting that "in our centuries-old history, it has served us well to make decisions in a long-term and very well thought-out way." The core of the change involves a shift from male primogeniture to "absolute primogeniture." This means that, going forward, the first-born child will become the heir to the throne, regardless of their sex, subsequently becoming the princess or prince of Liechtenstein.
However, the royal house specified that this progressive adjustment will only apply to the descendants of Hereditary Prince Alois and his wife, Hereditary Princess Sophie, who are born in the future. This clarifies that the current line of succession remains unaffected by the new rule. Prince Hans-Adam II continues to serve as the head of state, though he delegated most of his authority to his eldest son, Alois (aged 58), in 2004, following a tradition of Liechtenstein monarchs passing responsibilities to their heirs. Alois’s eldest child is 31-year-old Prince Joseph Wenzel, followed by 29-year-old Princess Marie Caroline.
Liechtenstein, a small yet affluent nation with a population of approximately 40,000, shares borders with Switzerland and Austria. Notably, it boasts an unusually powerful monarchy for a European state. The ruling prince possesses significant constitutional powers, including the ability to veto referendum results, appoint judges, and dismiss the government. Historically, the principality has maintained a conservative stance, notably being the last European country to grant women the right to vote in national elections in 1984, a change narrowly approved by male voters and supported by Prince Hans-Adam II. In a more recent development signaling shifting attitudes, Brigitte Haas became the principality’s first female prime minister last year.