Constitution of the Princely Family of Liechtenstein

III. The Reigning Prince

Article 12

Succession to the throne

 

1) Succession to the throne pursuant to this Constitution shall be governed by the principle of primogeniture. This means that the first-born male of the eldest line is always called to succeed to the throne. The age of a dynastic line shall be calculated by reference to descent from Prince Johann I of Liechtenstein (1760-1836). The rank of male members of the Princely House shall depend on their position in the order of succession. The resulting order of rank shall be recorded in the family register (Article 4(2)).

 

2) The female members of the Princely House are not distinguished by rank but by order of precedence. In the case of female members by birth (Article 1(2)), precedence is determined by their date of birth within the dynastic lines referred to in para. 1. In the case of female members by marriage (Article 1(3)), precedence is determined by the rank of their husband in the order of succession to the throne.

 

3) Only persons who have the right to vote and to stand for election within the meaning of this Constitution may succeed to the throne.

 

4) The person succeeding to the throne as Reigning Prince in accordance with the order of succession unites in his person the functions of Head of State, Ruler of the Princely House and Chairman of the princely foundations. These three functions may not be separated, subject only to the special case laid down in Article 17(5).

 

5) As Head of State of the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Reigning Prince shall have the rights and duties more particularly described in the State's Constitution in force at the entry into force of this Constitution.

 

6) As Ruler of the Princely House, the Reigning Prince shall safeguard the reputation, esteem and welfare of the Princely House in accordance with the rights and duties laid down in this Constitution. To this end, he shall have the assistance of the Family Council and of the members of the family with the right to vote, in their totality.

 

7) As Chairman of the princely foundations and as the usufructary of the family's assets, the Reigning Prince shall support members of the Princely House who find themselves in financial difficulty, insofar as the income from the assets so permits.

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