Liechtenstein lets women inherit throne under new succession rule

Liechtenstein has changed its royal succession rules to let women inherit the throne, replacing male primogeniture with absolute primogeniture. The change was disclosed on the principality's national day and means the first-born child, regardless of sex, will become heir in future. It does not alter the current line of succession because Prince Hans-Adam II's heir remains his first-born son, Hereditary Prince Alois, who has handled most official duties for about two decades. The new rule will apply to the descendants of Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie. In Liechtenstein, unlike many European monarchies, the ruling prince still holds broad political powers.