Liechtenstein Royal House Amends Succession Rules to Include Female Heirs
Liechtenstein's royal house announced a change to its succession rules, allowing women to inherit the throne. This shift from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture means the first-born child, regardless of gender, will become the heir. The change was approved by…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 15, 2026 —
Liechtenstein’s royal family has updated its centuries-old rules of succession to permit female members to inherit the throne. The significant change, announced by the Princely House, moves the principality from a system of male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture.
Under the new rules, the eldest child, irrespective of gender, will be recognized as the heir to the throne. This marks a departure from the previous tradition where male heirs took precedence in the line of succession.
The reform was adopted following a vote among family members, with the decision receiving approval from a two-thirds majority of those who participated in the vote. The specific date of the announcement and the voting process were not provided.
The shift to absolute primogeniture is a notable development for the monarchy. Historically, succession laws in many European royal houses have favored male heirs. This change aligns Liechtenstein with a growing number of monarchies that have moved towards gender-neutral succession.
Further details regarding the implementation timeline or any specific conditions related to the new succession order were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
