Liechtenstein changes succession rule to allow women to ascend the throne

Liechtenstein has revised its royal succession rules to permit women to ascend the throne, a change announced on the nation's national day. The country, home to just 44,000 people, is situated between Switzerland and Austria. Presently, Prince Hans-Adam II has been the head of the royal family since 1989. The amendment will not impact Hereditary Prince Alois, the first-born child of the current ruler, who has handled most official duties over the past two decades.

Liechtenstein's royal succession is transitioning from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture, according to a statement from the House of Liechtenstein. This implies that in the future, the first-born child, irrespective of gender, will inherit the throne and subsequently become a prince or princess of Liechtenstein. The adjustment will solely apply to descendants of Hereditary Prince Alois and his spouse, Hereditary Princess Sophie for now.

Alois expressed that the modification aims to ensure that both the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely House are governed by the individual best suited for the responsibility. Liechtenstein's ruler wields extensive political authority, a rarity among European monarchs. In 2011, Britain adapted its succession laws to permit first-born daughters of a monarch to inherit the throne.