Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hans-Adam II |
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| Duke of Troppau and Jägerndorf Count of Rietberg |
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Hans-Adam II in 2021
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| Prince of Liechtenstein | |||||
| Reign | 13 November 1989 – present | ||||
| Predecessor | Franz Joseph II | ||||
| Heir apparent | Alois | ||||
| Regent | Alois (2004–present) | ||||
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See list
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| Born | 14 February 1945 Zürich, Switzerland |
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| Spouse |
Countess Marie Kinsky of Wchinitz and Tettau
(m. 1967; died 2021) |
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| House | Liechtenstein | ||||
| Father | Franz Joseph II, Prince of Liechtenstein | ||||
| Mother | Countess Georgina von Wilczek | ||||
| Religion | Roman Catholic | ||||
Hans-Adam II (born 14 February 1945) is the current Prince of Liechtenstein. He is the son of Prince Franz Joseph II and Countess Georgina von Wilczek. He also holds the titles of Duke of Troppau and Jägerndorf, and Count of Rietberg.
During his rule, a special vote in 2003 gave the Prince of Liechtenstein more powers. In 2004, Hans-Adam passed on his daily duties to his oldest son, Hereditary Prince Alois. This was similar to how his own father had prepared him for the role in 1984.
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Early Life and Education
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Hans-Adam II was born on 14 February 1945, in Zürich, Switzerland. He is the oldest son of Prince Franz Joseph II and Princess Gina of Liechtenstein. From the moment he was born, he was the hereditary prince, meaning he was next in line to become ruler.
In 1956, he started school in Vienna. Later, in 1960, he moved to a school in Switzerland. He finished high school there in 1965. After that, he worked at a bank in London to gain experience.
He then went to the University of St. Gallen to study business. He finished his degree in 1969. Prince Hans-Adam II speaks German, English, and French.
In 1984, his father, Prince Franz Joseph II, gave Hans-Adam the power to make daily government decisions. This was a way to prepare him to become the next ruler. Hans-Adam officially became the Prince of Liechtenstein when his father passed away on 13 November 1989.
The Prince's Powers
In 2003, the people of Liechtenstein voted in a referendum. They agreed to change the country's rules to give the Prince more power. Before the vote, the Prince had said he would leave the country if the changes were not approved.
On 15 August 2004, Prince Hans-Adam II officially gave his oldest son, Hereditary Prince Alois, the job of making daily government decisions. This means Alois acts as the regent. Hans-Adam II is still the official head of state, but Alois handles the day-to-day work. This was a way to start the change to the next generation of rulers.
In 2012, the people of Liechtenstein voted again. They strongly rejected a plan to reduce the princely family's power. This showed that most people supported the Prince's role.
Managing Wealth and Businesses
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Before he became Prince, Hans-Adam II helped his family's bank, LGT Bank, grow a lot. It changed from a small local bank into a big international financial group.
He is known as one of the richest heads of state in the world. He inherited his main home, Vaduz Castle in Liechtenstein. He also owns other properties in Austria, like Liechtenstein Castle and two palaces in Vienna. Besides land and farms, he owns several companies.
He also inherited a huge collection of art. Much of this art is shown to the public at the Liechtenstein Museum in Vienna. The Prince put his wealth into a special family foundation called the Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation. This foundation helps support the family, maintain their castles, and care for their art collections.
His success in business allowed him to buy back parts of the family's art collection. His father had to sell some art after World War II because they lost a lot of land and money. Hans-Adam II continues to add to the art collection today.
Personal Life
On 30 July 1967, Prince Hans-Adam II married his cousin, Countess Marie Kinsky of Wchinitz and Tettau. They were married at St. Florin's in Vaduz. They had four children and fifteen grandchildren.
Their children are:
- Alois Philipp Maria, the Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein (born 1968). He is married to Duchess Sophie Elisabeth Marie Gabrielle in Bavaria. They have four children.
- Prince Maximilian Nikolaus Maria (born 1969). He is known as Max von Liechtenstein. He is married to Angela Gisela Brown. They have one son.
- Prince Constantin Ferdinand Maria (born 1972 – died 2023). He was known as Constantin Liechtenstein. He was married to Countess Marie Gabriele Franziska Kálnoky de Kőröspatak. They had three children.
- Princess Tatjana Nora Maria (born 1973). She is known as Tatjana von Lattorff after her marriage. She is involved in several foundations and organizations. She is married to Baron Matthias Claus-Just Carl Philipp von Lattorff. They have seven children.
Princess Marie, Hans-Adam's wife, passed away on 21 August 2021, at the age of 81. His younger son, Prince Constantin, passed away on 5 December 2023, at the age of 51.
Hans-Adam II is an honorary member of a Catholic student group. He also supports the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination at Princeton University. As a child, he was a member of the Scouts in Liechtenstein.
His Ideas and Book
Hans-Adam II wrote a book called The State in the Third Millennium in 2009. In his book, he talks about why countries are still important in the world. He believes that democracy is the best way for a government to work. He also says that a ruler's power comes from the people's agreement.
He thinks that governments should only focus on a few main jobs. These jobs include keeping laws fair and handling relationships with other countries. He believes governments should not be overloaded with too many other tasks.
In 2021, Prince Hans-Adam II said he supports marriage for same-sex couples. However, he stated he was against same-sex couples being able to adopt children.
Interest in UFO Research
Prince Hans-Adam II has been interested in UFOs for many years. He has even provided money for research into them. This became known through the writings of a famous UFO expert and astronomer, Jacques Vallée. Vallée was invited to the Prince's castle.
The Prince also worked with an American businessman named Robert Bigelow, who also funds UFO research. It is said that Hans-Adam's interest in UFOs began after his aunt saw a UFO in Munich in the 1950s.
Titles and Official Names
- From 14 February 1945 to 13 November 1989, he was called His Serene Highness The Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein.
- From 13 November 1989 to today, he is called His Serene Highness The Prince of Liechtenstein.
His full official title is "Prince of Liechtenstein, Duke of Troppau and Jägerndorf, Count of Rietberg, Sovereign of the House of Liechtenstein."
Arms
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See also
In Spanish: Juan Adán II de Liechtenstein para niños
- Line of succession to the Liechtensteiner throne
- List of monarchs of Liechtenstein
- Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation
- Princely Family of Liechtenstein
