Liechtenstein to open succession to female descendants in future

The backdrop to the debate included an interview that Hereditary Prince Alois gave to the «Neue Zürcher Zeitung» in 2019. At the time, the heir to the throne still spoke out against women as reigning Princesses of Liechtenstein. That stance was subsequently criticised both domestically and internationally and is now regarded as outdated.

From resistance to opening up

The change did not come about as a solitary political move. Other European princely houses had likewise modernised their house laws in recent years and decades to take account of gender equality. With this step, Liechtenstein aligns itself with this European trend.

Putting the change into concrete effect requires the consent of the members of the Princely House in matters of house law. According to information from Vaduz, this consent has now been granted, so that the new rule can enter into force. The House Law will be editorially adjusted in parallel.

Sophie von Bayern, the wife of Hereditary Prince Alois, had repeatedly advocated in the past for a modern, contemporary orientation of the monarchy and is regarded by observers as an important driver of the change of course. Her engagement, it is said, helped to bring a more factual tone to the discussion within the family.

Political accompaniment of the change

Alongside gender equality in the succession, expectations in Liechtenstein are tied to a broader representation of the population in the public appearance of the Princely House. Commentators see the step as a signal of an opening that goes beyond the symbolic.

The Liechtenstein government and parliament had previously spoken out several times in favour of adjusting the succession rules, thus preparing the ground for the Princely House's decision. Head of Government Daniel Risch and Foreign Minister Dominique Hasler expressed satisfaction with the outcome achieved.

Those responsible emphasise that the change takes place without ruptures in the continuity of the monarchy. The new order will only apply to members born after the cut-off date or subsequently admitted into the house, so that the current order of succession remains unchanged.

Significance for the monarchy

At the same time, the provision opens up possibilities for future generations: should a reigning Prince have no sons in the future, his eldest daughter would succeed. This makes the dynastic future of the Principality more predictable and independent of the question of gender.

International observers view the move as a further step in the modernisation of European monarchies. Liechtenstein, with an area of around 160 square kilometres and just over 39,000 inhabitants, is one of the smallest but wealthiest states in Europe.

In conclusion, the Princely Family announced that the amendment to the House Law would be officially published in the coming weeks and presented to the public in a ceremonial act. Details on the exact entry into force are to be announced in a communication from the Princely House.