In brief
On National Day, Liechtenstein announced a historic shift from male‑only to absolute primogeniture, enabling the firstborn child to inherit the throne regardless of gender. The move, celebrated by crowds near Vaduz Castle, does not alter the current heir, Hereditary Prince Alois, but will apply to his children and their descendants. The principality, with 44,000 residents, boasts a powerful monarch and applauds the progressive change that mirrors Britain’s 2011 reform.
Liechtenstein has announced a major shift in its royal succession, allowing women to ascend the throne for the first time.
The proclamation came on the nation’s flag‑raising day, a public celebration taken place amid the mountain backdrop of the little Central European principality with a population of just 44,000.
Since 1989 the country’s head of state has been Prince Hans‑Adam II. The change will not affect his eldest son, Hereditary Prince Alois, who remains the current heir‑to‑the‑throne.
The House of Liechtenstein explained that the succession is being moved from male‑primogeniture to absolute primogeniture: "The first‑born child, regardless of sex, will become heir to the throne and later either prince or princess of Liechtenstein."
The new rule applies to the descendants of Alois and his wife, Hereditary Princess Sophie, and will take effect only when a new generation is born.
In a statement, Prince Alois said: "With this change we want to ensure that our principality and the House are led by the person most prepared for the responsibility."
Liechtenstein, a doubly land‑locked country nestled between Switzerland and Austria, supplies its ruler with extensive political powers, setting it apart from many European monarchies.
The change follows Britain’s 2011 succession reform that opened the throne to first‑born daughters, marking the latest milestone in gender‑neutral royal succession across Europe.
