Key facts
- Liechtenstein has changed its royal succession rules.
- The new rule implements absolute primogeniture, where the first-born child inherits the throne regardless of gender.
- This change will affect future descendants of Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie.
- Prince Hans-Adam II has been the head of the royal family since 1989.
Liechtenstein has announced a significant change to its royal succession laws, moving from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture. This means that the first-born child, irrespective of gender, will now be designated as the heir to the throne. The declaration was made on the country's national day.
The current ruler, Prince Hans-Adam II, who has led the royal family since 1989, will not be affected by this change, nor will his heir, Hereditary Prince Alois, who is his first-born son. Hereditary Prince Alois has been handling most of the official royal duties for the past two decades.