Alois, Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alois |
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| Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein Count of Rietberg |
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Alois in 2024
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| Regent of Liechtenstein | |||||
| Regency | 15 August 2004 – present | ||||
| Monarch | Hans-Adam II | ||||
| Born | 11 June 1968 Zürich, Switzerland |
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| Spouse |
Duchess Sophie in Bavaria
(m. 1993) |
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| House | Liechtenstein | ||||
| Father | Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein | ||||
| Mother | Countess Marie Kinsky of Wchinitz and Tettau | ||||
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Alois, Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein (born 11 June 1968) is an important royal figure. He is the oldest son of Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein. Alois is the next in line to become the ruler of Liechtenstein.
Since August 15, 2004, Alois has been the regent of Liechtenstein. This means he handles the daily duties of leading the country. His father, Hans-Adam II, is still the official head of state. Alois also holds the title of Count of Rietberg. He is married to Duchess Sophie in Bavaria.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Alois grew up in Liechtenstein. He went to the Liechtenstein Grammar School in Ebenholz. After that, he studied at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. This is a famous military school.
He served in the Coldstream Guards for six months. This was a military role in Hong Kong and London. Later, he went to the University of Salzburg. In 1993, he earned a master's degree in jurisprudence, which is the study of law. Before returning home, Alois worked in London. He worked for a company that handles money matters. In 1996, he moved back to Vaduz. There, he started helping to manage his family's money.
Role as Hereditary Prince
As Hereditary Prince, Alois has an important role. In 2003, there was a special vote in Liechtenstein. This vote was about changing the country's rules. Alois and his father wanted to give the prince more powers. These powers included the right to stop new laws. They also wanted the prince to choose judges.
The people of Liechtenstein voted to accept these changes. The next year, in 2004, Alois's father made him the regent. This meant Alois took over the main duties of the prince. His father, Hans-Adam II, remained the official head of state. This was similar to what his own father had done years before.
In 2012, another vote took place. This vote was about the prince's power to stop laws. Many people wanted to change this power. However, 76% of voters decided to keep the prince's power. Prince Alois has also shared his views on modern topics. In 2022, he said that same-sex marriage is "not a major problem." In 2024, he supported Liechtenstein joining the International Monetary Fund.
Family Wealth
Prince Alois is set to inherit a large art collection. Much of this art is shown to the public. You can see it at the Liechtenstein Museum in Vienna. His father's wealth is very large. It is managed by a special family foundation.
This foundation is called the Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation. It helps support the family. It also pays for the upkeep of castles and museums. This means the family's cultural treasures are well cared for.
Marriage and Children
Prince Alois married Duchess Sophie in Bavaria. Their wedding was on July 3, 1993. It took place at St. Florin's Cathedral in Vaduz. Sophie is now known as Hereditary Princess of Liechtenstein.
Alois and Sophie have four children:
- Prince Joseph Wenzel Maximilian Maria. He was born in London in 1995.
- Princess Marie Caroline Elisabeth Immaculata. She was born in Grabs, Switzerland, in 1996. She studied art and design in Paris. In 2024, her engagement was announced.
- Prince Georg Antonius Constantin Maria. He was born in Grabs in 1999. He studied at the University of St. Gallen. He also went to the ESCP Business School. He works in Berlin.
- Prince Nikolaus Sebastian Alexander Maria. He was born in Grabs in 2000.
Honours
National Honours
Liechtenstein : Grand Star of the Order of Merit of the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Foreign Honours
Austria : Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Sash for Services to the Republic of Austria (2000).
Netherlands : Recipient of the King Willem-Alexander Inauguration Medal (2013).
Sweden : Recipient of the King Carl XVI Gustaf's Jubilee Commemorative Medal for the 70th Birthday (2016).
Sovereign Military Order of Malta : Grand Cross pro Merito Melitensi – civilian special class – (2011).
Arms
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Images for kids
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A friendly robot for kids.
See Also
- List of current heirs apparent
