Historic change in Liechtenstein’s royal succession

Crown Prince Alois announced the change in the succession rules during Liechtenstein’s National Day celebrations on August 15, 2026. The reform will apply to future generations and does not alter the current line of succession.

Liechtenstein National Day 2026 — Photos by Ezio Cairoli — Liechtenstein National Day 2026 — Photo by Ezio Cairoli

The National Day of Liechtenstein on August 15, 2026, marked a historic turning point for the Alpine monarchy. As every year, the day brought together official ceremonies and popular celebrations: in the morning, a solemn ceremony took place on the grounds of Vaduz Castle, featuring speeches by Crown Prince Alois and the President of Parliament, followed by a reception hosted by the Princely Family. In the afternoon, the large public festival filled the center of Vaduz with market stalls, music and entertainment. In the evening, mountain bonfires, a torchlight procession and spectacular fireworks over the castle brought the celebrations to a close.

It was on this occasion that Crown Prince Alois announced the end of male-only succession in favor of absolute primogeniture: from now on, the firstborn child, regardless of gender, will be eligible to inherit the throne.

Liechtenstein is one of Europe’s smallest and wealthiest states: a principality covering just 160 square kilometers, nestled between Switzerland and Austria, with a population of around 40,000 and Vaduz as its capital. Despite its small size, it has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, thanks to an economy based on finance, banking and precision manufacturing. It is a hereditary constitutional monarchy with a democratic and parliamentary system, in which power is shared between the Prince and the people.

Unlike many European monarchies, the Princely Family retains significant constitutional powers rather than serving solely a ceremonial role. The reigning Prince can exercise a veto over legislation, dissolve Parliament for serious reasons, dismiss the government, appoint judges and represent the state abroad. Since 2004, Hans-Adam II has delegated most day-to-day functions to his son Alois, who acts as Regent, while Hans-Adam II formally remains Head of State.

Liechtenstein’s Hereditary Prince Alois delivers a speech during the National Day celebrations. Photo by Ezio Cairoli

The decision on succession does not alter the current dynastic order. At the top remains Hans-Adam II, reigning Prince since 1989. After Alois, the designated heir remains his eldest son, Joseph Wenzel (born in 1995), followed by his brothers Georg and Nikolaus. His sister Marie Caroline, born in 1996, remains excluded from the line of succession under the previous male-only system.

The new rule does not automatically elevate Marie Caroline and does not change the positions of the current heirs. Absolute primogeniture will apply only to future generations. For example, if Joseph Wenzel’s first child is a girl, she will become the heir, even if she has younger brothers.

With this announcement, Liechtenstein moves away from being the last European state to maintain a strictly male-only succession system. It is a decision of strong symbolic significance, modernizing the monarchy while preserving the continuity of the Princely House of Liechtenstein.