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In Liechtenstein, women have been given a long road to the princely throne

On August 15, the country's national holiday, the Princely House of Liechtenstein announced that it is abolishing the exclusively male order of succession to the throne.

Prince Alois with his daughter Maria Carolina during her wedding on August 30, 2025. Photo: Gerald Matzka / Getty Images

Now the throne of Liechtenstein will pass to the firstborn child regardless of gender, and not necessarily to the eldest son. Women among the descendants of the princely house also receive equal rights with men to participate in matters of treaty law.

The amendment was adopted by the required two-thirds majority of all eligible members of the house. The new order applies only to future descendants of Hereditary Prince Alois and his wife Sophie – already born members of the dynasty are not covered by it.

Hereditary Prince Alois explained that the goal of the change is for both the principality and the house to be governed by whoever is best prepared for this task. These are usually sons and daughters who grow up in Vaduz and become familiar with the country's affairs from childhood.

In addition to the order of succession, the updated law contains legal clarifications and has been brought into line with new Liechtenstein legislation.

Despite the historical nature of the decision, it will not affect the current representatives of the dynasty. The heir remains Alois and Sophie's eldest son — 31-year-old Josef Wenzel Maximilian Maria. Their daughter, Princess Maria Carolina (29 years old, married last year), will not be able to become a princess, as the new rule only applies to the yet-unborn generation. The Swiss publication Watson notes that if her older brother withdraws from the line of succession, the right will pass to the younger brothers — thus, the inequality between women and men will persist for another two generations.

Hans-Adam II has remained the Prince of Liechtenstein since 1989, and since 2004, most official duties have been carried out by his son Alois. The dynasty originates from Lower Austria and acquired the territory of the modern state around 1700.

The population of Liechtenstein is about 40,000 people; the country is not a member of the EU but is part of the European Economic Area and the Schengen Area.

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    16.08.2026
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