Liechtenstein ends male-only royal succession, allowing women to inherit throne

Liechtenstein’s Princely House announced on Aug. 15 a historic change to its succession rules, ending male primogeniture and granting women equal rights to inherit the throne. The reform introduces absolute primogeniture, meaning the firstborn child of the ruling monarch—regardless of gender—will become heir to the principality, according to a press release published by the Princely House .

The decision was disclosed during Liechtenstein’s National Day celebrations and applies only to future generations, not the current line of succession. Hereditary Prince Alois, who has served as regent since 2004, confirmed the change was approved by a two-thirds majority of voting family members . The press release stated the amendment ensures “full equal participation rights to all female members of the Princely House in all matters of the House Law as men.”

Under the previous system, Liechtenstein adhered to male-preference primogeniture, making it one of the last European monarchies to exclude women from the throne. The reform follows decades of internal family discussions, with the legal text finalized late last year . The current order of succession remains unchanged: Prince Hans-Adam II is the reigning monarch, followed by Hereditary Prince Alois and his eldest son, Prince Joseph Wenzel, born in 1995.

The Princely House emphasized the change aims to ensure future rulers are “best prepared” for their role, noting that heirs grow up in Vaduz and are familiarized with the principality’s traditions from an early age . Hereditary Prince Alois and his wife, Princess Sophie of Bavaria, have four children, including a daughter, Maria-Carolina, 29.

Liechtenstein, a constitutional monarchy nestled between Switzerland and Austria, has long been known for its conservative traditions. Women gained the right to vote in national elections only in 1984, following a referendum supported by Prince Hans-Adam II . The principality, with a population of around 39,000, boasts one of the highest GDP per capita in the world, driven by its banking sector and tourism.