VADUZ, Liechtenstein — Liechtenstein has ended its preference for male heirs to the throne, allowing the firstborn child of the ruling family to inherit regardless of sex, the House of Liechtenstein announced Saturday.
The change replaces male primogeniture with absolute primogeniture, giving daughters and sons equal rights to succession.
“From now on, the first-born child, regardless of sex, will become heir to the throne and later princess or prince of Liechtenstein,” the House of Liechtenstein said in a statement.
The announcement came on Liechtenstein’s national day in the European principality, which sits between Switzerland and Austria and has a population of about 40,000.
Prince Hans-Adam II has served as head of state since 1989. His son, Alois, hereditary prince and regent, has handled most official duties since 2004.
Alois said the succession change aims to ensure that the person best prepared for the responsibility leads both the principality and the Princely House.
Alois and his wife, Sophie, have four children. Their eldest is Prince Joseph Wenzel, 31.
Liechtenstein became an Imperial Principality in 1719 after the ruling family acquired the County of Vaduz and the Lordship of Schellenberg in the early 18th century.
The country has maintained a powerful monarchy compared with other European constitutional monarchies. Its reigning prince can veto referendum results, appoint judges and dismiss the government.
The succession change comes as Liechtenstein continues to address its traditionally conservative political system. The country granted women the right to vote in national elections only in 1984, making it the last European country to do so.
Brigitte Haas became Liechtenstein’s first female prime minister last year.