The royal house of Liechtenstein announced on August 15, 2026, at 10:36 AM EDT, according to the AP, that the principality will amend its succession rules to allow women to inherit the throne. Hereditary Prince Alois revealed the update during his National Day speech, noting that the decision was finalized on Wednesday following a vote by the royal family. The change received the necessary two-thirds majority support from family members eligible to vote on such matters.
According to the official text of the prince's remarks, the amendment ensures that all female descendants of the Princely House will possess the same participation rights in House Law matters as their male counterparts. Prince Alois explained that the line of succession is shifting from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture. This transition means that, regardless of gender, the first-born child will become the heir to the throne, eventually serving as the prince or princess of Liechtenstein.
While this marks a significant shift in royal protocol, it is not expected to alter the immediate top of the line of succession. Prince Hans-Adam II remains the head of state, though he delegated the majority of his governing powers to his eldest son, 58-year-old Prince Alois, in 2004. This transfer of authority followed a long-standing tradition of Liechtenstein monarchs passing responsibilities to their heirs. The eldest of Prince Alois' four children is 31-year-old Prince Joseph Wenzel.
Liechtenstein is a wealthy nation of 40,000 residents situated between Switzerland and Austria, characterized by a monarchy with significant influence by European standards. The ruling prince retains the authority to appoint judges, dismiss the government, and veto referendum results. The country has a history of conservative governance, having become the last in Europe to grant women the right to vote in national elections in 1984. That change was approved by a narrow margin of male voters following support from Hans-Adam II. Recently, the nation saw another milestone when Brigitte Haas was appointed as the country's first female prime minister last year.
