Liechtenstein Lets Women Inherit Throne
Liechtenstein amends succession laws to allow women to inherit the throne, aligning with modern gender norms.
The update
Liechtenstein has amended its royal succession law to allow women to inherit the throne. The change shifts the order of succession from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture, meaning the first-born child will become heir regardless of gender. The legislation was passed on the nation’s national day.
Why it matters
This move places Liechtenstein in the majority among nearby nations with royal families, which previously favored male heirs. The principality, with a population of just 44,000, is doubly landlocked between Switzerland and Austria. The current ruler, Prince Hans-Adam II, has held the position since 1989, and the change will not affect his current heir, Hereditary Prince Alois. Unlike many of his counterparts in Europe, the Prince enjoys sweeping political powers, making this shift notable for the small nation’s governance structure.
What to watch
Observers will note whether other European monarchies follow suit. The change applies only to descendants of Hereditary Prince Alois and his wife, Hereditary Princess Sophie, and does not alter the succession line for the current ruler.
Sources
- nytimes.com — Context on the move placing Liechtenstein in the majority among nearby nations.
- bbc.co.uk — Details on the law change, population size, and current rulers.
