Liechtenstein opens the succession to the throne to women

The principality of Liechtenstein announced, on the occasion of its national day, a reform of its rules of dynastic succession now allowing women to accede to the throne.

It was during the national day celebrations of this microstate in Central Europe, with a population of only 44,000, that the House of Liechtenstein announced this decision. The country is abandoning male primogeniture in favor of absolute primogeniture.

"The order of succession changes from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture," the House of Liechtenstein stated in a press release. "This means that in the future, the first child born, regardless of gender, will become heir to the throne and later princess or prince of Liechtenstein."

The reform does not immediately alter the current line of succession. It will apply only to the descendants of the four children of Crown Prince Alois and his wife, Crown Princess Sophie. Prince Hans-Adam II, head of the reigning family since 1989, and his designated heir Alois, the firstborn and already responsible for almost all official duties for the past two decades, are not affected.

In a statement, Crown Prince Alois justified this development: "With this change in the law, we want to ensure that the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely House are led by the person best prepared for this responsibility."

Landlocked between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is one of the few European countries whose sovereign wields extensive political powers. Great Britain undertook a similar reform in 2011, allowing the eldest daughters of a monarch to inherit the throne.