Liechtenstein is making a significant change to its royal traditions. The country’s royal house recently announced a shift in its rules of succession that allows women to inherit the throne. Hereditary Prince Alois shared the news during a speech on the country’s national day, confirming that a two-thirds majority of the princely family voted to approve the update.
The new system moves from male-only succession to absolute primogeniture. This means that in the future, the first-born child of a reigning monarch will be the heir to the throne regardless of their sex. The royal house stated that this change will only apply to future descendants of Prince Alois and his wife, Princess Sophie. It does not alter the current line of succession.
Liechtenstein maintains one of the most powerful monarchies in Europe. The ruling prince retains the authority to appoint judges, veto referendum results, and fire the government. This update arrives as the nation continues to modernize its traditional structures. While the change marks a shift in royal law, it is part of a broader trend for the small Alpine nation, which only granted women the right to vote in national elections in 1984. Last year, the country also appointed its first female prime minister, Brigitte Haas.
Prince Alois emphasized that the ability to combine continuity with renewal remains a core principle of the princely house. He noted that their long-term, thoughtful decision-making has served the country well throughout its history. Prince Hans-Adam II remains the head of state, though he handed over most of his executive powers to his son Alois back in 2004. This transition of responsibility is a long-standing tradition for the family, ensuring stability for the 40,000 residents of the principality.