Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein
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| Hans-Adam II | |
|---|---|
| Prince of Liechtenstein | |
| Image:Hans-Adam II von und zu Liechtenstein.jpg | |
| Hans-Adam II | |
| Reign | November 13, 1989 - present |
| Born | February 14 1945 |
| Zurich | |
| Predecessor | Franz Joseph II |
| Heir-Apparent | Alois |
| Consort | Marie Aglaë, Countess Kinsky von Wchinitz und Tettau |
| Issue | Alois, Maximilian, Constantin, Tatjana |
| Royal House | House of Liechtenstein |
| Father | Franz Joseph II |
| Mother | Georgina von Wilczek |
Hans-Adam II (Johannes Adam Ferdinand Alois Josef Maria Marko d'Aviano Pius von und zu Liechtenstein, styled HSH The Sovereign Prince of Liechtenstein; born February 14, 1945, Zurich), is the currently reigning Prince of Liechtenstein and son of Franz Joseph II, Prince of Liechtenstein (1906-1989) and his wife Countess Georgina von Wilczek (1921-1989). He also bears the titles Duke of Troppau and Jägerndorf, Count of Rietberg.
Contents |
[edit] Powers
The Prince of Liechtenstein has sweepingly broad powers; a referendum to adopt Hans-Adam's revision of the constitution to expand his powers passed in 2003.[1] The changes also included a republican option, whereby the Prince was henceforth formally barred from vetoing any bill to establish a republic. In addition, the right to secede for the parishes which make up the Principality was recognized. Prince Hans-Adam had threatened that he and his family would move to Austria if the referendum had failed. Despite opposition from Mario Frick, a former Prime Minister, the Prince's referendum motion was carried by the electorate. In actual fact, the personal influence of the Ruling Prince is increased by the republican option within the constitution, because, in this strongly pro-monarchy principality, he may more easily use the implied threat to resign as a means to pressure elected representatives and the electorate into accepting measures which he favours.
On 15 August, 2004 Prince Hans-Adam II formally turned the power of making day-to-day governmental decisions over to his son Prince Alois, as a way of transitioning to a new generation. Formally, Hans-Adam remains Head of State.[2]
[edit] Personal wealth
Prince Hans-Adam owns LGT banking group and has a personal fortune of more than £2 billion ($3.9 billion USD). He owns an extensive art collection, a part of which is on display for the public in museums in Vaduz and in Vienna, Austria. In December 2006, he was reported to be one of the world's richest heads of state.[3]
[edit] Personal life
Hans-Adam's mother tongue is German but he is also fluent in English, French and Italian.
On 30 July, 1967, at Vaduz, Liechtenstein, he married his cousin Marie Aglaë, Countess Kinsky von Wchinitz und Tettau (born 1940).
Their children are:
- Hereditary Prince Alois (b. 11 June, 1968)
- Prince Maximilian Nikolaus Maria (b. 16 May, 1969)
- Prince Constantin Ferdinand Maria (b. 15 March, 1972)
- Princess Tatjana Nora Maria (b. 10 April, 1973)
The Prince is an honorary member of K.D.St.V. Nordgau Prag Stüttgart, a Catholic students' fraternity that is a member of the Cartellverband der katholischen deutschen Studentenverbindungen. Prince Hans Adam II chairs the Advisory Council of the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-determination at Princeton University.
[edit] See also
|
- Princely Family of Liechtenstein
- List of Princes of Liechtenstein
- Line of succession to the Throne of Liechtenstein
- Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation
- Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination at Princeton University
[edit] External links
- 2004: Royal power handover - Prince Alois says democracy still strong Real Audio sound file from the BBC.
- The Official Site of the Princely Family
| Styles of Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein | |
| {{{image}}} | |
| Reference style | His Serene Highness |
| Spoken style | Your Serene Highness |
| Alternative style | Sire |
[edit] References
- ^ Liechtenstein prince wins powers BBC News Online, 16 March 2003. Retrieved 29 December 2006.
- ^ Country profile: Liechtenstein - Leaders BBC News, 6 December 2006. Retrieved 29 December 2006.
- ^ Liechtenstein redraws Europe map BBC News Online, 28 December 2006. Retrieved 29 December 2006.
| Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein Born: 16 April 1955
| ||
| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Franz Josef II | Prince of Liechtenstein 13 November 1989 – present | Incumbent Designated heir: Prince Alois |
| Family information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prince Aloys House of Liechtenstein
| Prince Franz Josef II | Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein |
| Elisabeth Amalie of Austria House of Habsburg-Lothringen
| ||
| Duke Ferdinand of Wilczek | Georgina von Wilczek | |
| Norbertine Kinsky of Wchinitz and Tettau | ||
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Categories: Articles with unsourced statements since December 2006 | All articles with unsourced statements | Princes of Liechtenstein | Reigning monarchs | Roman Catholic monarchs | Current national leaders | Polyglots | Knights of the Golden Fleece | 1945 births | Living people | House of Liechtenstein
