Franz Joseph II, Prince of Liechtenstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Franz Joseph II |
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| Prince of Liechtenstein | |||||
| Reign | 25 July 1938 – 13 November 1989 | ||||
| Predecessor | Franz I | ||||
| Successor | Hans-Adam II | ||||
| Prime Ministers |
See list
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| Born | 16 August 1906 Schloss Frauenthal, Deutschlandsberg, Austria-Hungary |
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| Died | 13 November 1989 (aged 83) Grabs, St. Gallen, Switzerland |
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| Burial | St. Florian Cathedral, Vaduz | ||||
| Spouse |
Countess Georgina von Wilczek
(m. 1943; died 1989) |
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| House | Liechtenstein | ||||
| Father | Prince Aloys of Liechtenstein | ||||
| Mother | Archduchess Elisabeth Amalie of Austria | ||||
| Religion | Roman Catholic | ||||
Franz Joseph II was the Prince of Liechtenstein for a very long time. He ruled from July 25, 1938, until he passed away on November 13, 1989. This made him one of the longest-ruling leaders in Europe.
He was born on August 16, 1906. His full name was Franz Josef Maria Aloys Alfred Karl Johannes Heinrich Michael Georg Ignaz Benediktus Gerhardus Majella.
Franz Joseph II was the son of Prince Aloys of Liechtenstein and Archduchess Elisabeth Amalie of Austria. He became Prince after his grand-uncle, Prince Franz I, who had no children, passed away. His own father had given up his right to become Prince in 1923, so Franz Joseph II was next in line.
He was very well-liked by the people of Liechtenstein. He was also the first Prince to live in Liechtenstein all the time. Under his leadership, Liechtenstein changed a lot. It went from being a small country focused on farming to one of the richest countries in the world.
During his rule, women in Liechtenstein also gained the right to vote for the first time in 1984. This was decided after a vote by the men of the country.
Liechtenstein During World War II
Liechtenstein stayed neutral during World War II. This means it did not take sides in the war. No fighting happened on its land.
Near the end of the war, Prince Franz Joseph II offered safety to 494 people who were seeking political asylum. These people were part of a group led by General Boris Smyslovsky.
Family Life and Children
On March 7, 1943, Franz Joseph II married Countess Georgina von Wilczek in Vaduz. She was born on October 24, 1921, and passed away on October 18, 1989.
They had five children together. Later, they had twelve grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.
- Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein was born on February 14, 1945, in Zürich. He married Countess Marie Aglaë of Wchinitz and Tettau in 1967. They have four children.
- Prince Philipp of Liechtenstein was born on August 19, 1946, in Zürich. He married Isabelle de l'Arbre de Malander in 1971. They have three sons.
- Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein was born on October 24, 1947, in Zürich. He married Princess Margaretha of Luxembourg in 1982. They have four children.
- Princess Norberta of Liechtenstein was born on October 31, 1950, in Zürich. She married Don Vicente Sartorius y Cabeza de Vaca in 1988. They have one daughter.
- Prince Franz Josef Wenceslaus of Liechtenstein was born on November 19, 1962, in Zürich. He passed away on February 28, 1991, in Vaduz, at the age of 28. He never married or had children.
Later Years and Legacy
On August 26, 1984, Franz Joseph II gave most of his powers to his son, Hans-Adam. This meant his son started taking on many of the royal duties.
Franz Joseph II passed away on November 13, 1989. This was just 26 days after his wife, Countess Georgina, died. He had ruled Liechtenstein for 51 years. At the time of his death, he was the longest-serving national leader in the world.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco José II de Liechtenstein para niños
- Princely Family of Liechtenstein
