Liechtenstein ends male priority for throne

Liechtenstein announced on Saturday that it has ended male-heir priority to the throne, allowing the first-born child of the ruling house to become heir regardless of sex.

The House of Liechtenstein said the order of succession was being changed from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture. It said the first-born child would in future become heir and later princess or prince of Liechtenstein.

The declaration was made on the country's national day and gives women equal rights within the ruling family.

Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy between Switzerland and Austria. Prince Hans-Adam II has been head of state since 1989, while his son Alois, hereditary prince and regent, has carried out most official duties since 2004.

Alois said the change was intended to ensure that the principality and the princely house are led by the person best prepared for the responsibility. Alois and his wife, Sophie, have four children, with Joseph Wenzel Maximilian Maria, born in 1995, the eldest.