Liechtenstein changes its rules to allow women to inherit the Alpine principality’s throne

Liechtenstein's royal family announced on Saturday that the nation's rules of succession will be altered to permit a woman to potentially inherit the principality's throne in the future. Hereditary Prince Alois made this announcement during a speech marking the country's national day, following its approval by a two-thirds majority of family members on Wednesday.

Alois stated that this change is an effort to strike a balance between continuity and renewal, emphasizing that decisions in the princely house have traditionally been made with long-term and well-considered thought.

The line of succession will transition from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture, meaning the first-born child, regardless of gender, will inherit the throne and later become either the princess or prince of Liechtenstein. Currently, Prince Hans-Adam II holds the position of head of state, but he transferred most of his powers to his eldest son, Alois, in 2004. Alois' eldest child, 31-year-old Prince Joseph Wenzel, is the second in line.

Liechtenstein, a wealthy nation of 40,000 people situated between Switzerland and Austria, possesses a relatively potent monarchy compared to European standards. The ruling prince retains the authority to veto referendum outcomes, appoint judges, and dismiss the government. The nation has a conservative history and granted women the right to vote in national elections in 1984, following a narrowly approved referendum. In 2004, Brigitte Haas became Liechtenstein's first female prime minister.