Liechtenstein ends male-only priority in line of succession
What's new: The shift to absolute primogeniture will apply to the descendants of Hereditary Prince Alois, not the current heir.
Liechtenstein has changed its royal succession rules to let the first-born child inherit the throne regardless of sex, ending male-heir priority in the ruling house. The House of Liechtenstein disclosed the change on the country's national day. Prince Hans-Adam II has been head of state since 1989, while Hereditary Prince Alois has handled most official duties since 2004 as regent. The revision does not alter the current succession line because Alois, the first-born son, remains next in line. Instead, it will affect the descendants of Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie. Liechtenstein, a constitutional monarchy between Switzerland and Austria, has about 40,000 to 44,000 residents.