Liechtenstein has revised its royal succession laws to permit women to ascend the throne, a change announced on the country's national day. The principality, with a population of approximately 44,000, now follows absolute primogeniture, where the eldest child inherits the throne irrespective of sex.
This alteration in succession rules will not impact the current line of inheritance for Prince Hans-Adam II, who has led the royal family since 1989, or his heir, Hereditary Prince Alois, his eldest son. Hereditary Prince Alois has been managing the majority of official royal duties for the past two decades.
The House of Liechtenstein stated that the shift from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture aims to ensure that "both the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely House are led by the person who has been best prepared for this responsibility," according to Hereditary Prince Alois. The new rule will only apply to the descendants of Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie.
Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked country situated between Switzerland and Austria. Its ruling prince holds significant political authority compared to many other European monarchs.
In 2011, the United Kingdom implemented similar succession reforms, enabling the eldest daughter of a monarch to inherit the throne.