FAQ

With the publication of the results of the Czech-Liechtenstein Historical Commission, the interest of persons from the Czech Republic in information about the Princely House of Liechtenstein has greatly increased. The history of the Princely House was very closely connected with that of the Czech Republic for centuries. Moreover, the members of the Princely House were of great importance for Czech history. The Princely House has therefore decided to translate this website into Czech as well.

Further information on the country of Liechtenstein: www.liechtenstein.li

Yes. The Reigning Prince may also confer titles of nobility. However, this only happens in very rare cases. The last conferment dates from 1979.

Yes. The Princely Order of Merit of Liechtenstein, founded by H.S.H. Prince Franz I on 22 July 1937, may be conferred on nationals and foreigners who have rendered special services to the country of Liechtenstein, be it through outstanding public services or through achievements in the social field. The award is made on the basis of a direct resolution or on the proposal of the Government.

No. The government decides on the granting of asylum. The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for asylum. The member of the government responsible according to the allocation of responsibilities decides on the inadmissibility of an asylum application. The Aliens and Passport Office (APA) is fully responsible for the asylum procedure, from the asylum application to the organisation of the execution of a removal.

No. The Aliens and Passport Office (APA) as part of the Ministry of the Interior is the office in Liechtenstein responsible for issuing permits for foreigners or cross-border commuters.

The Princely Crypt is located in the centre of Vaduz directly next to Vaduz Cathedral. It is opened on 1 November each year for those who wish to commemorate the deceased members of the Princely House on that day

No. The flags are always hoisted during the day – except in strong winds.

No. Vaduz Castle is the residence of the Reigning Prince and the Hereditary Prince and Princess and is therefore not open to the public. Guided tours only take place in exceptional cases, such as on special occasions.

Historically, the castle was first mentioned in a document in 1322. The oldest preserved part of the castle is the tower (also called the keep), which dates from the 12th century and has walls about 4m thick at the bottom that thin out towards the top. It is built of erratic blocks. Around the tower, individual buildings were constructed piece by piece in the 14th and 15th centuries. In the 16th century, the two rondels (north and south rondels) were added. The interior fittings and other additions (e.g. oriels in the courtyard) did not take place until the 19th century. Vaduz Castle has been in the possession of the Liechtenstein family since 1712 (since the acquisition of the County of Vaduz). H.S.H. Prince Franz Josef II was the first prince to move his permanent residence to Vaduz Castle in 1939.

According to the House Law, Art. 3, para. 2), the Reigning Prince and the next successor to the throne may not accept any foreign citizenship. The person appointed to the throne must also renounce any previous foreign citizenship.

As of March 2021, the Princely House of Liechtenstein comprises 122 adult members.

Members of the Princely House are generally addressed as “Serene Highness”. However, there are also exceptions. For example, Hereditary Princess Sophie is addressed as “Royal Highness” because she was born a “Duchess in Bavaria”.

The correct address for members of the Princely House is for male members:

H.S.H
Prince [first name] of Liechtenstein

and for female members:

H.S.H.
Princess [first name] of Liechtenstein

The Prince, Princess, Hereditary Prince and Hereditary Princess shall be addressed as follows:

H.S.H.
The Prince of Liechtenstein

H.S.H.
The Princess of Liechtenstein

H.S.H.
The Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein

H.R.H.
The Hereditary Princess of Liechtenstein