Prince Hans-Adam II

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The reigning Prince Hans-Adam II is the successor of Prince Franz Josef II, the first Prince of Liechtenstein to also reside in the country. The Princely House plays a special role in Liechtenstein. The Princely Family has always been a part of the population, noticeable only in the most comfortable, unassuming fashion. The common history of Prince and people stems from 1699. That’s when Prince Johann Adam Andreas von Liechtenstein purchased the Lordship of Schellenberg. In 1712 he acquired the County of Vaduz, and in 1719 Emperor Karl VI elevated the two Lordships to an Imperial Principality with the name Liechtenstein.

Prince Hans-Adam II is the first Prince of Liechtenstein who was born and grew up within the country. The succession is regulated in accordance with the laws of the House of Liechtenstein. The oldest son is first in the line of succession. Of the four children, Hereditary Prince Alois is the successor of Hans-Adam II. Hereditary Prince Alois married the Duchess Sophie in Bavaria in 1993. She descends in direct line from the last king of Bavaria. The Hereditary Princely Couple have three boys and a girl. To know what life is like in a monarchy is one of the most frequently voiced wishes of our guests. And when you are a guest in our country, and walk or drive through the country with eyes wide open, it is just possible that you might happen upon a member of the Princely Family.