Liechtenstein has announced a historic change to its royal succession rules, allowing women to ascend the throne in the same manner as men.
The decree was made on the country’s national day, a celebration held in Vaduz with thousands gathering at the slopes of Vaduz Castle.
Prince Hans‑Adam II, who has led the principality since 1989, confirmed that the change will not alter his own heir, Hereditary Prince Alois, the firstborn son of the prince.
Alois, who has performed most official duties for the past twenty years, stated that the new law seeks to ensure that the role of head of state is held by the person best prepared for the responsibilities.
The reform replaces male‑primogeniture with absolute primogeniture: the firstborn child, regardless of sex, will become heir to the throne and later prince or princess of Liechtenstein.
This policy will only apply to future children of the four children of Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie, leaving the current succession line unchanged.
Liechtenstein is a doubly land‑locked country between Switzerland and Austria with a monarch who still possesses sweeping political powers, a contrast to many senior European monarchies where roles are largely ceremonial.
The move aligns Liechtenstein with the UK’s 2011 reform that granted first‑born daughters the right to inherit the throne.
