Monarchy of Liechtenstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prince of Liechtenstein |
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| Fürst von und zu Liechtenstein (German) | |
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| Incumbent | |
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| Hans-Adam II since 13 November 1989 |
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| Details | |
| Style | His Serene Highness |
| Heir apparent | Alois |
| First monarch | Karl I |
| Formation | 20 December 1608 |
| Residence | Vaduz Castle |
The monarchy of Liechtenstein means that Liechtenstein is a country ruled by a prince. The prince is the head of state, and this role is passed down through the family. It's a "constitutional monarchy," which means the prince's powers are set by the country's constitution (a set of rules).
The current ruler is Prince Hans-Adam II. The ruling family is called the House of Liechtenstein. The country was named after them in 1719. Their family castle, Liechtenstein Castle, is in Austria. Liechtenstein is unique because it's the only European monarchy where the ruler's job always passes down to the oldest male heir (son, then grandson, and so on).
Contents
History of the Liechtenstein Monarchy
How the Princes Gained Power
For many centuries, the Liechtenstein family bought or gained large areas of land. These lands were mostly in places like Moravia, Lower Austria, and Silesia. However, these lands were not fully their own. They were held under other powerful lords, especially the House of Habsburg family. Several Liechtenstein princes even worked as close advisors to the Habsburg rulers.
The Liechtenstein family was noble, but they didn't own any land directly from the Holy Roman Emperor. This meant they couldn't have a seat in the Imperial Diet, which was like a big meeting of important rulers in the Holy Roman Empire.
To get a seat, they needed to own land directly from the Emperor. So, the Liechtensteins bought two small areas: Schellenberg in 1699 and Vaduz in 1712. These lands were "immediate," meaning they were directly under the Holy Roman Emperor.
Becoming a Principality
Because they now owned these lands, the Liechtensteins became eligible for a higher rank. On January 23, 1719, Emperor Charles VI officially joined Vaduz and Schellenberg. He made them a "principality" (a land ruled by a prince) and named it "Liechtenstein." This was done for Anton Florian of Liechtenstein, who was a loyal servant to the Emperor.
Even after becoming princes, the family continued to live in Vienna, the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, or on their other large estates. They didn't move to their new principality in the Alps until 1938. This was after the Holy Roman Empire and later Austria-Hungary had ended.
Powers of the Prince
What the Prince Can Do
The Prince of Liechtenstein has many important powers. These include choosing judges and being able to dismiss government ministers. The prince also has veto power, which means he can reject new laws. He can also call for referendums, which are public votes on important issues.
The 2003 Referendum
In 2003, Prince Hans-Adam II suggested changes to the Constitution. His plan would give the prince more power, like the ability to veto laws. But it also gave citizens the right to vote to end the monarchy at any time. If citizens voted to end the monarchy, the prince could not veto that decision. The plan also recognized the right of local communities to leave the principality if they wished.
Prince Hans-Adam II said that if the people rejected the changes, he and his family would move to Austria. Even though some people, like former Prime Minister Mario Frick, disagreed, the people approved the changes in 2003. Some critics said the prince used emotional pressure to get his way. However, in a 2012 vote, the people rejected a proposal to take away the prince's new veto powers.
Passing on Authority
On August 15, 2004, Prince Hans-Adam II officially gave most of his ruling powers to his son, Hereditary Prince Alois. This was a way to start the transition to the next generation of rulers. Prince Hans-Adam II is still officially the head of state.
Compensation for the Prince
The Prince receives a salary of 250,000 Swiss francs each year. This money is not taxed.
Succession to the Throne
The way the throne is passed down in Liechtenstein is called agnatic primogeniture. This means that the oldest male in the family inherits the title. This rule has been in place since 1606.
Princely Titles
According to their family rules, the monarch holds several titles:
- Reigning Prince of Liechtenstein
- Duke of Troppau and Jägerndorf
- Count of Rietberg
- Sovereign of the House of Liechtenstein
Princely Standard
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Current personal standard of the Prince of Liechtenstein, adopted in 1982.
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Personal standard of the Prince of Liechtenstein from 1957 until 1982.
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Former Princely Standard as it appeared in 1912.
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See also
- Ducal hat of Liechtenstein
- List of monarchs of Liechtenstein
