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

Liechtenstein, a tiny Alpine principality, has announced plans to change its rules of succession to allow women to inherit the throne. Hereditary Prince Alois announced the alteration during a speech marking the nation's national day, stating it was approved by a two-thirds majority of voting family members. Alois emphasized the importance of continuity and renewal within the princely house, noting their long history of making well-considered decisions.

The new rules will transition from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture, meaning the first-born child, regardless of gender, will become the heir to the throne and later the princess or prince of Liechtenstein. This change will only affect future descendants of Alois and his wife, Hereditary Princess Sophie, and will not impact the current line of succession.

Prince Hans-Adam II, the current head of state, retains his position but transferred most of his powers to Alois in 2004, following a tradition of monarchs ceding authority to their heirs.

Alois has four children, with the eldest being 31-year-old Prince Joseph Wenzel and the second-oldest being Princess Marie Caroline, 29. Liechtenstein, a wealthy nation of 40,000 inhabitants situated between Switzerland and Austria, possesses an unusually influential monarchy compared to European standards. The ruling prince wields the authority to veto referendum results, appoint judges, and dismiss the government.

Traditionally conservative, the principality granted women the right to vote in national elections in 1984, with a male vote narrowly approving the measure backed by Hans-Adam. In 2022, Brigitte Haas became the first female prime minister of Liechtenstein.