Liechtenstein changes royal succession rules, giving women equal rights

"The order of succession is being changed from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture,” the House of Liechtenstein announced in a statement on 15 August, the country's national day.

“This means that in future the first-born child, regardless of sex, will become heir to the throne and later princess or prince of Liechtenstein."

The tiny principality of 40,000 people, situated between Switzerland and Austria, with a total area roughly the size of Brussels, is one of Europe's smallest and oldest monarchies.

Although it is not a major European power, its royal family has maintained close ties with other European royal houses.

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The monarch serves as head of state and holds significant political powers. Prince Hans Adam II became head of state in 1989, though since 2004 his son Alois, Crown Prince and regent, has carried out most of the official duties.

"With this change in the law, we aim to ensure that both the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely House are led by the person who is best prepared for this responsibility," said Alois, who until 2019 opposed women ruling the country.

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The change change will only apply to future descendants of Alois and his wife, Hereditary Princess Sophie, who have four children, the eldest of whom, Joseph Wenzel Maximilian Maria, was born in 1995.

The conservative principality became the last European country to grant women the right to vote in national elections, in 1984. 

Hans Adam had backed the change in a referendum. Brigitte Haas became the principality's first female prime minister in 2025.

(with AFP)