Liechtenstein moves to change succession laws, paves way for women on throne
The change shouldn't affect the top of the line of Liechtenstein's royal house succession in the immediate future.
Liechtenstein's royal house said Saturday that the tiny country's rules of succession will be changed so that a woman could inherit the principality's throne in the future.
Hereditary Prince Alois announced the change in his speech marking the country's national day. He said it was approved on Wednesday by the necessary two-thirds majority of family members who can vote on such matters.
The prince said, according to a text of his remarks posted on the princely house's website, the vote allowed that "all female descendants of the Princely House will be granted the same participation rights in matters governed by the House Law as male descendants."
"The line of succession will be adjusted from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture," Alois said. "That means that in the future, the first-born child will, regardless of sex, become the heir to the throne and later the princess or prince of Liechtenstein."
Prince Hans-Adam II remains the head of state, but in 2004 handed over most of his powers to Alois, his eldest son, who is now 58. That was in line with a tradition of Liechtenstein monarchs giving up the reins to their heirs.