There will be no government celebrations for Liechtenstein’s monarch, His Royal Highness Prince Hans Adam II this year. The ruling monarch of one of the world’s smallest independent nations has been the official head of state for 30 years this year, but it has now been decided that this will not be celebrated.
The decision came from Prince Hans Adam himself who explicitly did not want any festivities on the occasion of his jubilee. “This year’s Liechtenstein celebration is enough, with the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the principality”, he stated earlier this year.
Before dedicating his time to finance, Hans Adam ruled the nation alone from 1989 to 2004. In that period, he wanted to put Liechtenstein on the international map by applying for membership in the United Nations. This was accomplished in 1990. Hans Adam also worked so his country could join the European Economic Area.
Hans-Adam II is the son of Franz Joseph II, Prince of Liechtenstein (1906–1989) and his wife, Countess Georgina von Wilczek. He also bears the titles Duke of Troppau and Jägerndorf, and Count Rietberg. A referendum to adopt Hans-Adam’s revision of the constitution to expand his powers passed in 2003. The Prince had threatened to leave the country if the referendum did not result in his favour.
Hans Adam has not been involved in the daily management of Liechtenstein since 2004. At that time, he transferred that political power to his son, Hereditary Prince Alois. That does not mean that the monarch does not pay attention to what is going on and what his son is doing. He said in an interview with “Liechtensteiner Vaterland” that he is using much time to help his son and stay updated on the politics.
As his son Hereditary Prince Alois is ruling the nation, Prince Hans Adam II has enough to do with running the business and financial empire of the Royal Family. The family empire has an estimated worth of more than 10 billion euros. This makes Liechtenstein’s Royal Family the wealthiest royal family in the world.
