Liechtenstein Shifts to Absolute Primogeniture, Allowing Future Female Heirs

On National Day, the House of Liechtenstein announced that succession will move from male-only to absolute primogeniture. The amendment, approved by the required two-thirds majority of voting family members, stipulates that the first-born child of the princely family will inherit the throne regardless of sex. It applies only to descendants of Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie born after the amendment and does not alter the current line, which remains headed by Prince Hans-Adam II’s son, Alois, followed by his eldest child, Prince Joseph Wenzel.

Liechtenstein royal family makes major announcement with huge ramifications for future generations Hereditary Prince Alois Ends Male-Only Succession in Liechtenstein With Absolute Primogeniture: how 11 outlets framed it BBC NewsRoyal Family changes succession rules in historic move for women Liechtenstein changes its rules to allow women to inherit the Alpine principality's throne In Liechtenstein, women are now also eligible to succeed to the throne The Straits TimesLiechtenstein’s royals make a major change as they announce women can finally succeed to the country’s throne

Liechtenstein’s succession rules historically favored males, making it one of the few European monarchies still using agnatic primogeniture. International criticism arose in 2004 when a UN committee highlighted the exclusion of women. Over the past two decades, neighboring monarchies—including Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom—have adopted absolute primogeniture, prompting calls for Liechtenstein to modernize its house law.

Royal Family changes succession rules in historic move for women

• Prince Hans-Adam II – Head of state since 1989.

Liechtenstein royal family makes major announcement with huge ramifications for future generations

• Hereditary Prince Alois – Regent since 2004 and spokesperson for the reform.

Hereditary Prince Alois Ends Male-Only Succession in Liechtenstein With Absolute Primogeniture: how 11 outlets framed it

• Hereditary Princess Sophie – Alois’s wife; mother of their four children.

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

• Prince Joseph Wenzel – Alois’s eldest child (born 1995), currently second in line.

Liechtenstein royal family makes major announcement with huge ramifications for future generations

• Princess Marie Caroline – Alois’s second-oldest child (born 1996).

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

• Population: approximately 40,000.

Hereditary Prince Alois Ends Male-Only Succession in Liechtenstein With Absolute Primogeniture: how 11 outlets framed it

• The Princely House counted just over 120 members in March 2021.

In Liechtenstein, women are now also eligible to succeed to the throne

• The amendment required a two-thirds majority of eligible voting members and was secured on the day of the announcement.

Hereditary Prince Alois Ends Male-Only Succession in Liechtenstein With Absolute Primogeniture: how 11 outlets framed it

The House of Liechtenstein emphasized continuity, renewal, and merit-based leadership, noting that the amendment grants female descendants the same participation rights in House-Law matters as their male counterparts.

In Liechtenstein, women are now also eligible to succeed to the throne

• “With this change in the law, we want to ensure that both the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely House are led by the person who has been best prepared for this responsibility.” — Prince Alois

BBC News

• “The line of succession will be adjusted from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture,” — Prince Alois

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

The amendment aligns Liechtenstein with the prevailing European norm of gender-neutral succession, removing the legal barrier that previously prevented women from inheriting the throne. While the current order remains unchanged, any future first-born daughter of Prince Joseph Wenzel—or of his siblings—would become the first Princess of Liechtenstein.

Liechtenstein royal family makes major announcement with huge ramifications for future generations

The new rule will take effect for children born to Alois and Sophie after the amendment’s adoption. No further legislative steps have been announced, and the existing line will continue unchanged until a qualifying birth occurs.

Hereditary Prince Alois Ends Male-Only Succession in Liechtenstein With Absolute Primogeniture: how 11 outlets framed it