The Principality of Liechtenstein, a central European country with a population of just 44,000, has announced new rules of succession to the throne. Now women can also ascend the throne. The decision was announced on the country's national day.
Liechtenstein's current ruler, Prince Hans-Adam II, has been the head of the princely family since 1989. The rule change will not affect his heir, Hereditary Prince Alois, his first-born son. Alois has carried out most of the princely duties for the last two decades.
In a statement, the House of Liechtenstein said: "The order of succession is being changed from male primogeniture to absolute primogeniture. This means that in future the first-born child, regardless of sex, will become heir to the throne and later prince or princess of Liechtenstein."
The change will not affect the current line of succession — it will only apply to the descendants of the four children of Hereditary Prince Alois and his wife, Hereditary Princess Sophie. In a statement, Alois said: "With this change in the law, we want to ensure that both the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely House are led by the person who has been best prepared for this responsibility."
Liechtenstein is a tiny, doubly-landlocked country tucked away between Switzerland and Austria, whose ruler enjoys sweeping political powers, unlike many of his counterparts in Europe. In 2011, Britain changed its succession laws to allow first-born daughters of a monarch to inherit the throne.