VADUZ, Liechtenstein — In a landmark shift for one of Europe’s last male-dominated monarchies, Liechtenstein’s princely family has formally approved changing the country’s centuries-old succession rules to allow women to inherit the throne, hereditary Prince Alois announced during the nation’s national day address Saturday.
The reform, which replaces the long-standing system of male primogeniture with absolute primogeniture, secured the required two-thirds majority vote from eligible royal family members at a private vote held Wednesday, Alois confirmed. Under the new framework, the first-born child of a reigning monarch will become the legitimate heir to the throne, regardless of whether they are male or female.
In prepared remarks published on the royal household’s official website, Alois framed the change as aligned with the principality’s centuries-long tradition of adaptive, thoughtful governance. “The ability to combine continuity and renewal is also a principle that we foster inside the princely house,” he said, noting that “in our centuries-old history, it has served us well to make decisions in a long-term and very well thought-out way.”
Unlike many European royal successions that have undergone sudden shifts amid public pressure, this reform will not alter the immediate line of succession for the tiny alpine nation. Prince Hans-Adam II, Alois’ father, remains Liechtenstein’s formal head of state, though he transferred nearly all executive powers to his 58-year-old eldest son in 2004, in keeping with the royal family’s long-standing tradition of handing control to the next generation ahead of the end of a reign. Currently, Alois’ eldest child, 31-year-old Prince Joseph Wenzel, remains first in line for the throne, a position that will not change under the new rules.
Home to just 40,000 residents and nestled between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is one of the world’s wealthiest countries per capita, and its monarchy retains far more executive power than most contemporary European royal institutions. The reigning prince holds the authority to veto referendum results, appoint national judges, and dismiss the entire sitting government.
The reform marks the latest step in a slow shift toward greater gender inclusion in the traditionally conservative country. Notably, Liechtenstein was the last European nation to extend voting rights to women in national elections, a change only approved via a narrow male-led referendum in 1984 that was publicly backed by Hans-Adam. Just last year, the country made history when Brigitte Haas was sworn in as its first female prime minister, marking another milestone for female representation in the nation’s public life.