Liechtenstein’s royal family has announced a historic change to its succession rules, allowing women to inherit the throne and potentially reshaping the monarchy for future generations.
Marking its National Day on Saturday, the palace disclosed that they are abandoning its male-only succession system, adopting absolute primogeniture so women can inherit the throne.
The royal family said it will switch to absolute primogeniture, the standard succession model across much of Europe, though Monaco still favours male heirs.
They were reportedly lagged behind other European monarchies with its succession laws, but the tiny nation is now entering the 21st century
Liechtenstein’s royal family’s announcement
"Dear citizens of Liechtenstein, the ability to combine continuity with renewal is a principle we also uphold within the Princely House," the statement read.
It added, "Throughout our centuries-long history, we have benefited greatly from making decisions with a long-term perspective and careful deliberation.”
The statement shared, "I am pleased to inform you today of a decision of great importance to our House—one that has been discussed within the family, in part, for decades. It entails an amendment to the House Law; concrete work on this began late last year, and on Wednesday, it secured the necessary two-thirds majority among family members entitled to vote.”
The palace said, "This amendment grants all female descendants of the Princely House the same rights of participation in matters concerning the House Law as their male counterparts. Furthermore, the order of succession is shifting from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture. “
This means that, in the future, the firstborn child—regardless of gender— will become the heir to the throne and, subsequently, the Princess or Prince of Liechtenstein,” they mentioned.
Liechtenstein's current monarch
Notably, the change will not affect current succession, as Prince Hans-Adam II’s firstborn son, Hereditary Prince Alois, remains heir.
His son, Prince Joseph Wenzel, is next in line and could make history if his first child is a daughter.
