Tucked between Switzerland and Austria, the tiny Alpine nation of Liechtenstein is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets—both geographically and royally. With a population smaller than an average country town and a capital that feels more like a quaint village, Liechtenstein is one of the few places on earth where a royal family still reigns with real political power.
So, who are the Liechtenstein royals, and where exactly is Liechtenstein?
Let’s dive into these lesser-known but plenty powerful royals.
Where is Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein is a tiny, landlocked country bordered by Switzerland and Austria in the Alps.
Some facts about the nation:
- It became a fully sovereign nation in 1806 after the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire.
- The capital is Vaduz
- It has a population of about 39,000 people.
- It is a Constitutional monarch with democratic elements
- The official language is German.
- Liechtenstein is one of the richest countries per capita!
- It was neutral during both World Wars and has close diplomatic and economic ties with Switzerland, which represents it in many foreign matters.
- It’s the only country to be named after the family that still rules it
What’s the history of the Liechtenstein royal family?
Liechtenstein became a principality in 1719, when the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI united two small lordships — Schellenberg and Vaduz. He then granted them to the wealthy and influential House of Liechtenstein.
The family, which traces its roots back to the 12th century, took its name from Liechtenstein Castle in Lower Austria. Ironically, they didn’t set foot in their new country for many decades.
Despite its fairy-tale façade, Liechtenstein has weathered its share of European upheaval. It became fully independent in 1806 and managed to maintain neutrality through both World Wars. Today, the principality enjoys one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world. This is thanks in part to its thriving financial sector.
What ruling power do the Liechtenstein royal family have?
The Princely House of Liechtenstein is one of the oldest noble families in Europe, tracing its origins to the 12th century. As mentioned, unlike many other royal families, they are reigning monarchs, not just ceremonial figures.
The royal family resides in Vaduz Castle, a picturesque fortress perched above the capital. Though they maintain a relatively low public profile, they are deeply respected by locals and known for supporting the arts, charitable work, and Liechtenstein’s close relationship with Switzerland.
The ruling prince of Liechtenstein has real political power — even more than monarchs in the UK or Sweden, for instance. The constitution allows the prince to veto legislation, dismiss governments, and call referendums — powers that were expanded in a 2003 vote initiated by the current ruler, Prince Hans-Adam II.
While Hans-Adam technically remains the head of state, he handed over day-to-day duties in 2004 to his son and heir, Hereditary Prince Alois, who now serves as regent.
Who is in the Liechtenstein royal family?
Prince Hans-Adam II
Prince Hans-Adam II is the current Reigning Prince of Liechtenstein, but as mentioned, he has delegated duties to his son.
His full name is Johannes Adam Ferdinand Alois Josef Maria Marko d’Aviano Pius von und zu Liechtenstein. Born in 1945, he is a financier and author known for his staunch views on monarchy and freedom. His personal fortune, thanks to the family’s ownership of LGT Group (a private banking and asset management firm), is estimated in the billions.
Hans-Adam is a vocal advocate for the monarchy as a viable, modern form of government.
In 1967, he married Countess Marie Aglaë Kinsky von Wchinitz und Tettau. They wed on 30 July 1967 at St. Florian’s Cathedral in Vaduz. She served as Princess of Liechtenstein from his accession in 1989 until her death on 21 August 2021, following a stroke in a Swiss hospital in Grabs.
They had four children: Prince Alois, Prince Maximilian, Prince Constantin (who passed away unexpectedly on 5 December 2023, aged 51, no cause of death was disclosed), and Princess Tatjana.
Hereditary Prince Alois
Prince Alois, born in 1968, is the heir to the throne. He has been regent since 2004. Educated in the UK and fluent in English, Alois is known for his more contemporary outlook, balancing tradition with global diplomacy.
Hereditary Princess Sophie
Prince Alois is married to Duchess Sophie of Bavaria, who brings her own noble pedigree into the mix — she’s considered by some to be a Jacobite heir to the British throne (though you won’t find her making any claims!).
They have four children.
Prince Joseph Wenzel
Prince Joseph Wenzel Maximilian Maria of Liechtenstein, Count of Rietberg (born 24 May 1995, London), is the eldest son and second in line to the throne.
He was known simply as “Prince Wenzel” during his school years at Malvern College. He also took a gap year with internships in the U.S. Senate and travelling in South America. Additionally, he attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and later graduated from law studies.
Princess Marie-Caroline
Princess Marie‑Caroline Elisabeth Immaculata of Liechtenstein, Countess of Rietberg (born 17 October 1996, Grabs, St. Gallen) is the only daughter of Alois and Sophie. As Liechtenstein follow Salic Law (i.e. only males can inherit the throne), she is not in the line of succession.
Marie-Caroline studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design. She works in the fashion industry in London. She is engaged to Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer, a London-based investment manager born in Venezuela, educated at St Andrews and Cambridge.
Their wedding is to take place on 30 August 2025, just after Liechtenstein’s National Day.
See pics of their wedding here.
Prince Georg
Prince Georg Antonius Constantin Maria of Liechtenstein, Count of Rietberg (born 20 April 1999, Grabs), second son of Alois and Sophie. He is third in line to the throne.
Educated at Malvern College (graduated 2017), followed by the University of St. Gallen, and then at ESCP Business School in Europe. Professionally, he works in Berlin as a business development representative (working at Glidewheel / Atlantic Labs).
Prince Nikolaus
Prince Nikolaus Sebastian Alexander Maria of Liechtenstein, Count of Rietberg (born 6 December 2000, Grabs), is the youngest son of Alois and Sophie. He is fourth in line to the throne.
