The House Law of the Princely House of Liechtenstein

The House Law of the Princely House of Liechtenstein governs the fundamental affairs of the Princely House. These include, among other matters, the succession to the throne, coming of age, guardianship, as well as other issues relating to the organization and order of the Princely House.

The Princely House of Liechtenstein has had house-law provisions for centuries. The House Law currently in force dates from 1993 and was amended for the first time in 2026. Neither the Constitution of the Principality of Liechtenstein nor international treaties can alter or repeal the House Law. Any amendment requires a two-thirds majority of all voting members of the Princely House.

The Prince as Head of the Family

The Prince is the Head of State, Ruler of the Princely House of Liechtenstein, and Chairman of the Princely Foundations. Under the House Law, he safeguards the “reputation, honour and welfare” of the Princely House of Liechtenstein.

Succession to the Throne

The House Law regulates the hereditary succession to the throne within the Princely House. Since 2026, absolute primogeniture has applied, meaning that the firstborn child of the reigning Prince or Princess, regardless of gender, becomes the heir to the throne.

The Prince may appoint the voting member of the family next in line to the throne as his representative, either in the event of a temporary inability to act or as preparation for the succession. As part of a long-term succession plan, Prince Hans-Adam II appointed Hereditary Prince Alois as his representative on 15 August 2004 and entrusted him with the exercise of the sovereign powers vested in the Prince.