Royal Profile:
The Princely Family of Liechtenstein
TSH Princes Hans-Adam and Alois /AP
Monarch: Hans Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein
Heir: HSH Hereditary Prince Alois
Members of the Royal House: Prince Hans Adam II, Princess Marie, Hereditary Prince Alois, Hereditary Princess Sophie
Succession: Agnatic primogeniture (Inheritance according to seniority of birth among the sons of the monarch with sons and their male children inheriting before younger brothers and their children. Male-line males inherit before females of the male line.)
Bio: The principality’s modern history goes back to 1719 when Johann Adam Andreas purchased and combined two large areas of land and combined them into the 62-square mile area known today as Liechtenstein. It became a sovereign state in 1806. Although independent, it was allied politically and economically to the Habsburg monarchy in Austria. After the end of World War I ended the monarchy in Austria, Liechtenstein entered into an arrangement with Switzerland whereby they would represent the principality diplomatically. This pact still exists today.
In 1921, the tiny country became a constitutional monarchy run by princes with true power, not symbolic as you see in many countries with this form of government. The constitution established a single-house parliament who’s function it is to pass laws, but the Reigning Prince must ultimately approve them. The reigning Prince Hans-Adam’s immediate goal upon succeeding his father in 1989 was for the principality to be accepted into the UN. In 1990 this goal was achieved.
In 2003, a referendum was passed to adopt the Prince’s revision of the constitution to expand his powers. Among other powers, the Prince can veto any law, save one that creates a republic. Prince Hans-Adam had threatened that he and his family would move to Austria if the referendum had failed. In late 2004, Hans-Adam formally turned day-to-day decision making power over to his son Prince Alois making him Regent. Formally however, Hans-Adam remains the Head of State. The country is usually under fire for being a tax haven, but as of late Prince Alois has made moves to play ‘nice’ with international law.
Recent News:
Liechtenstein Prince wins broad new powers
Liechtenstein redraws map of Europe
Liechtenstein signals tax reforms
Interesting Facts:
• The members of the royal family are styled His/Her Serene Highness due to the fact that the country is a principality.
• Prince Hans-Adam is the owner of LGT banking group and has a personal fortune of over 5 billion dollars. In 2006 he was reported to be one of the world’s richest heads of state.
• Hans-Adam owns an extensive art collection that is on display in the Liechtenstein Museum in Vienna.
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