Liechtenstein has announced a change to its royal succession laws, permitting women to ascend the throne.
The declaration was made on the nation’s 2026 National Day, a moment of national pride for the country, which has a population just shy of 44,000.
Prince Hans‑Adam II, who has ruled since 1989, remains the head of state, but the new rule will not alter his successor, Hereditary Prince Alois, the first-born son. Prince Alois has already carried out most official duties for more than a decade.
According to the House of Liechtenstein, the order of succession is changing from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture, meaning the first-born child—regardless of gender—will become heir to the throne. The change applies only to the descendants of the four children of Alois and his wife, Princess Sophie.
Alois stated that the law change aims to ensure that both the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely House are led by the person best prepared for the responsibility.
Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked country nestled between Switzerland and Austria, and unlike many European monarchs, its ruler wields significant political powers.
Britain implemented a similar shift in 2011, allowing the eldest daughter of a monarch to inherit the throne.
