Liechtenstein’s Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie have undertaken a rare state visit to neighbouring Switzerland on the invitation of the Swiss Federal Council and the President of Switzerland.
They have been accompanied by Prime Minister Adrian Hasler, Deputy Prime Minister Daniel Risch and various other members of the Liechtenstein government.
Upon arrival, the couple were received by President of Switzerland Ueli Maurer and his daughter, Sidonia Maurer in the border town of Sargans. At the Sargans train station, the two couples boarded the train for a luncheon on their way to the Swiss capital, Bern.
The welcome in Bern consisted of local dignitaries and a children’s choir. Alois and Sophie then signed the golden book of the Swiss Federal Council with the official welcome taking place at 15:00 with a military band, reviewing the troops by the Prince and President, and the playing of the two national anthems.
Day one continued with a visit to the town hall where His Serene Highness and the President spoke of the bond between the two countries. 2019 marks 100 years since the states began formal diplomatic relations. Bilateral talks also took place and a press conference with the Hereditary Prince and President. Hereditary Princess Sophie also visited Bern’s House of Religions before she and her husband attended a gala dinner in the evening.
For day two, the final day of the visit, the Hereditary Princely Couple focused on innovation and research and travelled to the French-speaking Lausanne alongside their hosts where they visited the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the Nestlé Research Centre.
The short state visit concluded with a boat ride on Lake Geneva where they received a tour on their way to Vevey.
Although Alois’ father, Hans-Adam II is still the reigning Prince of Liechtenstein, Hereditary Prince Alois has served as the regent since August of 2004.