The House Law of the Princely House of Liechtenstein regulates, among other things, the hereditary succession to the throne, the age of majority and guardianship.

The Princely House of Liechtenstein has had house law regulations for centuries. The House Law in force today dates from 1993 and cannot be amended or repealed either by the Constitution of the Principality or by intergovernmental treaties. Modifications require a two-thirds majority of all members of the Princely House with voting rights.

The Prince as Head of the Family

The Reigning Prince is Ruler of the Princely House of Liechtenstein, Head of State and Chairman of the Princely Foundations. As head of the family, the Prince watches over the "reputation, honour and welfare" of the Princely House of Liechtenstein according to the House Law.

The succession to the throne

The House Law also regulates the succession to the throne after primogeniture. Accordingly, the heir to the throne is always the first-born from the oldest line. If a line expires, the second closest line of the common closest ancestor follows. This succession rule has existed since 1606. On the death of the head of the family, his eldest son assumes the duties of regent of the Princely House, head of state and chairman of the Princely Foundations.

The Prince may appoint the next prince of full age entitled to succeed him as his deputy. This may be the case if the Prince is temporarily prevented from attending or may serve to prepare the hereditary Prince for succession to the throne. In the spirit of early succession planning, Prince Hans-Adam II entrusted Hereditary Prince Alois on 15 August 2004 with the exercise of sovereign rights and appointed him as his Deputy.