ALL FOR NORWAY: King Haakon VIII ascends the Throne

 

Following the death of his father, King Harald V, at 6:35'am on Friday, 28 August 2026; Haakon, Crown Prince and Regent, succeeded the Norwegian throne immediately. The new King assumed the regnal name of Haakon VIII and retained the royal motto 'Alt for Norge' (everything for Norway) used by the previous three generations of Kings from his Royal House. The new King swore his oath of Allegiance to the Norwegian Constitution before The Parliament (Storting) in a solemn enthronement session on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. He was accompanied by his daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, who signed her oath as Norway's first Crown Princess in her own right later that day. Her mother, Queen Mette-Marit, King Haakon's wife of 25 years, had to pull out last moment from the ceremony, due to complications of her health, following a recent, life-saving lung transplant in June. Haakon VIII honoured his recently deceased father in his inaugural address to the nation on August 29, praising his lifelong service to Norway and desire to keep the family united, while outlining his own regnal goals and congratulating his widowed mother, Queen Sonja, on what would have been her & Harald V's 58th wedding anniversary, on that day.

Norway entered a new era as news of King Harald's death broke in the morning of Friday, August 28. The Royal Flag on top of Oslo's Palace was lowered to half-mast, only to be raised after the new Monarch, King Haakon, arrived. Accompanied by his firstborn child, now Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, the 53-year-old Sovereign hosted his cabinet at The Palace for an extraordinary Council of State, to formally inform them of his accession to the throne. Dressed in his formal uniform, and deprived of sleep (after spending the previous night by his father's deathbed), His Majesty greeted and received condolences from each of his ministers, and announced that his regnal name will be Haakon VIII, and his motto will remain the same, used since the reign of his great-grandfather, Haakon VII (r. 1905-1957): Alt for Norge. The first official portrait of the new King was released shortly afterwards; while a Royal Standard Flag, lowered at half-mast with a black ribbon attached, was hung horizontally, from The Palace's balcony.

King Haakon VIII addressed the nation for the first time on Saturday, August 29, in a pre-recorded speech, broadcasted on Norwegian state TV at 19:00. The King commemorated his late father as a "good listener" who "represented Norway and Norwegians with pride and joy", "met everyone with respect and generosity", and "had an extra room in his heart" for children and young people. He thanked him for being a warm and caring father, a loved patriarch who brought everyone together with a natural authority, and in particular remarked the strength he was getting in his life's work by his beloved wife, Queen Sonja, whose would have been 58th wedding anniversary he mentioned with a breaking voice. After refering how much The Norwegian society has changed to the positive through the lifetime and reign of Harald V, The King also mentioned his and (new) Queen Mette-Marit's goal "to be present and listen", and their joint goal with Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra in 'trying to understand' different people's life situations. In unpredictable times, The King redefined his dynastic motto "Everything for Norway" as fighting for everyone's right to free lives, contributing positively to the world as a nation, and willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for Norway's freedom and Independence when its peace is at stake; before finishing his speech with an old prayer: "May God preserve our country". A portrait of the late King Harald V was on the desk, while previous Kings, Olav V & Haakon VII were also mentioned.

The Constitutional Oath of HM King Haakon VIII was set for Tuesday, 1 September 2026, four days after his accession to the throne. He is the tenth tenth Norwegian Monarch to take this oath, since Norway signed its Constitution, on 17 May 1814. Only three Kings before him, Oscar II, Haakon VII & Harald V swore their oath at The Parliament Chamber, which Haakon VIII repeated in a special session of The Storting (Norwegian Parliament) at 1:00pm. The ceremony of swearing The King's allegiance to The Constitution is considered a backbone of Independent Norway; ensuring that The Monarch will respect the Constitution, his obligations and limits according to it, and separation of powers. Especially after Coronations of The King of Norway was abolished in 1908, Constitutional Oath became the leading Enthronement event, alongside Benediction from The Church of Norway (usually held at Nidaros Cathedral, several months after accession). The King was accompanied by HRH The Crown Princess, Queen Sonja & Prince Sverre Magnus (his younger child). The Queen was also due to attend, but had to pull out last moment, due to complications of her health (following a recent lung transplant).

His Majesty, dressed in his naval uniform and wearing all of his insignia from Norway, greeted & saluted the Palace guards before being driven off The Royal Palace in an open-top limousine. Following was a limousine with The King's children and mother. Queen Sonja (who is no longer styled "Her Majesty" by The Royal House) and her grandson, took their seats in the chamber's front line, while the King and Crown Princess Ingrid stood next to The Thrones opposite to the Speaker's seat. During the short & poignant ceremony, screened on real time from Eidsvolls (outside the Parliament) The Speaker of Storting, Masud Gharakhani, read out the official death announcement of King Harald V & succession of the throne.Then he bowed & handed the new King his own Oath of Allegiance to The Constitution, which His Majesty red aloud: "I promise, and swear, that I will govern the Kingdom of Norway in Accordance with its Constitution and Laws; so help me God, the Almighty and Omniscient".

Following his oficial oath, The King briefly addressed The President of  Storting, expressing the hope that the good relationship his three predecessors had with the Parliament is retained, also placing himself & The Queen in disposal to carry out their constitutional role and public service, as the dynastic motto (Alt for Norge) goes. The Storting's Speaker bowed again, as he took back the written texts from The King's hands, and from his seat delivered an address in remembrance of King Harald V - for whom a minute of silence was observed - and then formally endorsing the new King Haakon VIII & Queen Mette-Marit. On his Conclusion the chamber joined in silence-breaking exclamation of 'God Save The King' (Gud Bevare Konge!) and in singing The Royal Anthem (Kongesangen). The newly sworn in King bowed to the Chamber, and left it accompanied by his daughter, who later the same day signed her own constitutional oath as heiress apparent at The Royal Palace. Ingrid Alexandra, who studied at The University of Sydney since last year, and currently continues as an exchange at the University of Oslo, is the first female heir to The Norwegian throne in modern history (succession law changed in 1990).

Haakon VIII, the fourth King of Sovereign Norway from The House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg Glücksburg since 1905; was born on 20 July 1973, and remained before his older sister, Princess Martha Louise in the succession line, when absolute primogeniture was adopted (1990) not retrospectively. The only son of then-Crown Prince Harald & Crown Princess Sonja, Prince Haakon Magnus received a public education in Oslo, and served in The Royal Norwegian Navy, graduating (1995) from The Naval Academy. Following the death of his grandfather, King Olav V, on 17 January 1991, Haakon became Crown Prince at age 17. Unlike his father & grandfather, he choose University of California, instead of Oxford; receiving a BA in political science (1999). He further attended The University of Oslo, Foreign Ministry's civil service courses, and obtained a MA in London School of Economics in development & international trade. Haakon married Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby, a single mother of one, on 25 August 2001, after an eight-month controversial engagement. They had two children: Ingrid Alexandra (*2004) & Sverre Magnus (*2005). King Haakon is a fan of sports (like windsurfing), music festivals & nature.

Having served as Regent on multiple occasions in the 2000s and 2020s, the then Crown Prince Haakon knew the heavy weight of preserving The Crown's good image & popularity. The past few months have been demanding for the Norwegian Royal Family, since the then Crown Princess, diagnosed with life threatening pulmonary fibriosis in 2018, was revealed to have had a close relationship to the late US sex offender & child abuser Jeffrey Epstein, after first charges against him had been verdicted. Mette-Marit admitted her lack of judgment and apologised to The King & Queen for the damage this could bring to The Monarchy. Moreover, her extramarrital son, Marius Borg Høiby was found guilty of 34 out of 40 criminal charges against him, including rape, assault & drug possession, and sentensed to four years in prison in June, only days before his mother underwent a successful lung transplant (with recuperation period expected to last for about a year). Thus, Norwegian Monarchy's popularity had dropped to ~60% earlier this year (from over 70% before), with about half of the population not supporting Mette-Marit as (future) Queen. After succeeding the throne, Haakon has big shoes to fill, together with his family.

Videos:

Sources:

https://apnews.com/article/norway-king-haakon-mette-marit-3827c13443c66df288a541a9804263f0

https://royalcentral.co.uk/royal-news/the-first-portrait-of-a-new-king-haakon-viiis-reign-begins-with-sombre-duty-218920/

https://www.stortinget.no/en/In-English/About-the-Storting/News-archive/Front-page-news/2025-2026/king-haakon-to-take-the-oath-of-allegiance-before-the-storting-on-1st-september

https://royalcentral.co.uk/features/haakon-king-norway-179385/

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgy79wmv4jo

https://royalcentral.co.uk/royal-news/king-haakon-speech-218940/

https://www.dw.com/en/norways-new-king-haakon-viii-takes-oath-in-parliament/a-78606923

https://royalcentral.co.uk/royal-news/queen-mette-marit-218962/

https://www.newsinenglish.no/2026/09/01/king-haakon-viii-sworn-in-as-support-for-norways-monarchy-rises-again/

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp841114eg6o

https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/norway/queen-mette-marit-the-controversial-new-consort-of-norway-the-cinderella-whose-fairytale-came-to-a-close-218862/

https://apnews.com/article/norway-king-haakon-oath-allegiance-constitution-harald-0c4e5de3b7bcc7069af52500e34ec86c

https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/norway/for-the-first-time-in-its-history-norway-has-a-crown-princess-as-22-year-old-student-becomes-heir-to-the-throne-218832/

https://www.newsinenglish.no/2026/02/22/troubled-king-remains-popular/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/01/norways-new-king-haakon-viii-swears-oath-of-allegiance-with-daughter-at-his-side

BREAKING: King Harald V of Norway dies aged 89

His Majesty King Harald V, the steadfast, easy-going, humorous & empathetic grandfatherly figure for the Norwegians, died on Friday, August 28 (2026) at the age of 89. He passed away peacefully, at 6:35'am at The National Hospital Rigshospitalitet in Oslo, where he was treated for a short, blood-related infection, ending a reign of 35 years. His son & Regent, Crown Prince Haakon, who had spent the entire night at his father's bedside, succeeded him immediately as King of Norway, later confirming his regnal name as King Haakon VIII. King Harald & his wife Queen Sonja (who married exactly 58 years ago, on August 29, 1968), have been extremely popular among Norwegians in both moments of pride & happiness and in times of crises & disasters alike. The outpouring of love and prayers (before it turned into collective grief) was visible from the floral tributes, candles & vigils in front of The Royal Palace after the ailing King's condition was announced as very serious the day before his death. As Norway goes through a historic Succession of The Throne and prepares to bid farewell to its longest-lived Monarch, the new King follows in his ancestors' footsteps, keeping the same motto ('Alt For Norge' - 'Everything for Norway') all of his four predecessors have used since 1905, for his own Reign.

The 89-year-old King and Queen were preparing to visit the final four (out of 357) municipalities of Norway they hadn't been to in September and October, when news came that King Harald had been addmitted to hospital on August 17 (2026). The King was hospitalized after side effects of cortisone treatment for hemolytical anemia, and the Crown Prince took over as Regent for his father's two weeks of sick leave. It was later indefinitely extended (& The King's trips cancelled), before the palace announced that His Majesty's condition deteriorated over the weekend (August 22-23) and he was now being treated with antibiotics for a bacterial infection. The situation was then described as stable, and separate visits by members of The Royal Family to the hospital explained as not necessary related to The King's health only. It all changed on the morning of August 27, when it was announced that The King's condition was very serious and that The Queen and Crown Prince Regent were cancelling all of their weekly schedule. The King's wife, children, grandchildren & sister were seen arriving one after another that morning and left after several hours in the afternoon, when an update said King Harald's condition was unchanged. Queen Sonja stayed at her husband's bedside for around ten hours, and when she left in the evening The Crown Prince Couple came back (the staying overnight). Meanwhile, Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre cancelled his official visit to Germany, The Speaker of Storting (Parliament) cut short his visit to Iceland, as did a delegation of Bishops visiting Vatican & an MP landed in South Korea; rushing back to Norway.

Throughout the whole night, people from all walks of life gathered outside The Royal palace of Oslo, where The Royal Family uses to appear on the balcony during The National Day celebrations, leaving flowers, candles, thanksgiving cards & flags, some on the verge of tears, encountering each other, and singing the national anthem. National TV Broadcasts run over the night, as everyone dreaded the grim announcement, no one wished to hear. At around 7:30 am in the morning (of Friday, August 28, 2026), Queen Sonja was pictured arriving again at the National Hospital. Her grandchildren (from the Crown Prince), Ingrid Alexandra & Sverre Magnus, followed half a hour later. At 8:35'am The Palace had updated the National TV (NRK) which shared the following announcement: "It is with deep grief that we announce that His Majesty King Harald V has passed away. King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalitet Friday 28 August, at 6:35' AM".

Simultaneously, The Flag with The Royal Standard on top of The Royal palace of Oslo was lowered at half mast, indicating that The King was dead; to be raised again only after the new King held an emergency cabinet meeting at the Palace.

Upon the death of King Harald V, his son Haakon succeeded immediately The Throne of Norway, ensuring there is no vacancy of The Sovereign Head of State, as the Norwegian Constitution provides. The new King was joined by his daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, who succeeds him as Crown Princess of Norway (following the adoption of absolute primogeniture in succession laws, in 1990), at the extraordinary cabinet meeting at 11:30'. There the new King confirmed that he had succeeded his deceased father, and announced that his regnal name will be Haakon VIII (following his great grandfather King Haakon VII, who established the current Royal House of Norway in 1905). The regnal motto 'Alt for Norge' (everything for Norway) held by every King of The current Royal House, was adopted for the new Reign as well. As the nation entered in mourning and flags were lowered at half mast, rounds of 21-gun salute were fired from all artillery fortresses to mourn King Harald at 12:00', while Church bells run in somber from noon to 1:00'pm. The balcony of The Royal Palace, underneath which the changing of guard was cancelled, hoisted a half-masted Royal Flag, with a blak ribbon on it.

As the dusk fell, the entire Royal Family apart from Princess Astrid (the 94-year-old surviving sister of King Harald) arrived at the National Hospital at 18:30' to accompany the late King on his final journey to The Palace. The hearse, carrying King Harald V's wooden coffin (illuminatd from inside) left The Hospital Chapel after 18:45. It was followed by the car of his widow, Queen Sonja (who were married for one day short of 58 years, after a nine-year waiting) with their daughter, Princess Martha Louise. Behind them, was the limousine of The new King Haakon & Queen Mette-Marit (who herself is on recuperation following a recent lung transplant due to life-threatening pulmonary fibriosis; amid serious personal & family scandals) and their young adult children. Thousands of people flocked both sides of the streets along the short, 20-minute route to the Palace despite of heavy rain, to see off their King who they affectionately called "grandfather for all". He will be lying in state in the Palace's Royal Chapel until the day of his State Funeral, which is expected to take place within the next two weeks. King Harald V will be laid to rest at in Akershus Castle in a specially prepared tomb next to the Sarcphagus  of his grandparents (King Haakon VII & Queen Maud) & parents (King Olav V & Crown Princess Martha). For this entire period of succession Norway will remain in National Mourning, while The new King takes over as head of state in a solemn swearing in ceremony at Storting (the Parliament) on Tuesday, 1 September at 13:00; before his religious annointment in Nidaros Cathedral, a few months later.

UPDATE: The Funeral of His late Majesty, King Harald V will take place Wednesday, 9 September 2026 it has been announced. The service begins at 13:00, at The Cathedral of Oslo, and will be officiated by the Primate of The Church of Norway, Olav Fykse Tveit. A ceremonial procession will transfer King Harald's coffin from The Royal Palace to The Cathedral, and then to Akershus Castle Church. The bier with His Majesty's coffin (covered in the Royal Standard), will be moved by his children and grandchildren in procession from The Royal Palace's Red Drawing Room (where it has been since Friday evening) to The Great Banqueting Hall at 16:00 on Monday, 31 August 2026, and then to The Royal Chapel by the adjunant staff. It will then be placed on a velvet catafalque, with the Royal Regalia (The Crown & Sword of State) on its top, and senior orders received by The Norwegian, Danish, Swedish & British Royal Houses on its footing. Lying in state begins Tuesday 1 September, from 2:00 to 6:00pm, and will continue through the following week (Wednesday 2 - Tuesday 8 September 2026), from 10:00am to 18:00 every day; until the eve of the King's State Funeral.

Videos:

Sources:

https://www.royalcourt.no/

https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/norway/king-harald-dead-218885/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_state_funeral_of_Harald_V

https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/norway/norway-wakes-to-a-new-king-and-queen-and-the-first-crown-princess-in-its-history-218906/

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2rzxrdr71o

https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/norway/king-haakon-viii-arrives-at-the-royal-palace-in-oslo-for-the-first-time-as-monarch-and-norway-gives-him-a-warm-welcome-218915/

https://apnews.com/article/king-harald-norway-228366941b7c48c59ececf004cc3c467

https://royalcentral.co.uk/features/norway-now-in-official-mourning-for-king-harald-with-prime-minister-saying-the-nation-is-in-sorrow-218923/

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clykn5p5172o

https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/norway/king-harald-home-218930/

https://www.regjeringen.no/en/documents/the-death-of-his-majesty-king-harald-guidance-for-the-period-of-national-mourning/id3171460/

https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/norway/king-haakon-church-service-218948/

https://apnews.com/article/norway-king-haakon-mette-marit-3827c13443c66df288a541a9804263f0

https://royalcentral.co.uk/royal-news/king-harald-funeral-218952/

https://qazinform.com/news/norway-pays-tribute-to-late-king-harald-v-3774ef/amp

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_state_funeral_of_Harald_V

OBITUARY; HH FATHER EMIR Sheikh HAMAD Bin Khalifa Al Thani (1952 - 2026), Ruling AMIR of QATAR (1995-2013)

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was born in Doha in January 1952. His mother, Aisha bint Hamad Al Attiyah, died a few days later and he was raised by an uncle. Sheikh Hamad completed his education in Qatar and graduated from Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (UK) in 1971.

In 1977 he was appointed Crown Prince by his father, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani, who had seized power in February 1972, shortly after Qatar's Independence. Chairman of the Supreme Planning Council from 1989, Sheikh Hamad had taken over most of The Emir's powers in the early 1990s, and overthrew his father while he was in Switzerland, in a bloodless palace coup d'etat, on 27 June 1995.

Upon becoming Sovereign, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was born in Doha in January 1952. His mother, Aisha bint Hamad Al Attiyah, died a few days later and he was raised by an uncle. Sheikh Hamad completed his education in Qatar and graduated from Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (UK) in 1971.n Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani began implementing a series of forward-looking reforms in bureaucracy, education, consolidation of power, economy, media, culture & foreign relations. He abolished the previous regime's state censorship tools, including the ministry of Information and avoided a counter-coup in 1996, but reconciled with his father only in 2004.

Alongside his second wife, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al Misned, Sheikh Hamad Co Established the Qatar Foundation for Education in 1995, drawing US resources for an equal access to education, science and community development. In the following decade His Highness helped establish several other enterprises, supporting museums, cultural heritage, and inclusion to education for the most vulnerable people from around the world. 

Prime Minister of Qatar from 1995 to 1996, The Emir prioritized the North Field's production potential for liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from early on. Beginning exports in 1996, Qatar emerged as the largest LNG exporter in the world by 2006, increasing its GPD over 24 times &growing its national per capita income nearly sixfold. By 2010 LNG production skyrocketed to 77 million tons per annum, adding a raising value if the hydrocarbon sector from 11 billion to 403 billion rivals.

The Supreme Council of economic affairs & Investment, established in 2001, helped His Highness oversee the income from both state economy; while the Qatar Investment Authority Handled Al Thani family's multi-billion private investments (including all over London, UK). Under Sheikh Hamad's Rule as Absolute Monarch, the first elections in Qatari history were held in 1996, with women allowed to run & vote in municipal council elections. After a referendum on 29 April 2003, Qatar adopted its first permanent constitution on 8 June 2004, to introduce the means of a democratic governance by a centralized State. He launched Al Jazeera, the first Independently established Arab Channel in 1996; which would later criticize protest repression by neighboring Arab government, but stop short of serious criticism for Qatari one.

As Ruling Amir, Sheikh Hamad became widely known for his conflict mediation reforms in the region and beyond. While launching a US base in Al Udeid after 9/11, his government retained good relations with Iran, and attempted to mediate in conflicts between The Palestinian militia government Hamas and group Fatah, while keeping open channels with Israel. Sheikh Hamad showed practical solidarity to both Lebanon & Palestine, visiting them while in conflict in 2006 & 2012, respectively, (the latter under siege); promising $US >400 million of humanitarian aid. Nevertheless, in times of challenge he supported NATO in toppling Muammar Gaddafi in Libya (in 2011); while also hosting international summits in Doha for diplomatic talks & the solution of conflicts in countries like Palestine, Lebanon, Ethiopia & Djibouti.

A keen sports' enthusiast, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani successfully lobbied Qatar's bid to host The FIFA World Cup in Football/Soccer 2022. The State won the hosting in December 2010, the first nation in The Arab World to do so. Sheikh Hamad was greeted with enthusiasm when, as former Emir, he appeared at the opening match in 2022 (inspired of wide criticism over the working conditions to build that stadium). Under Hamad's Rule Qatar launched its National Vision 2030 for a prosperous, diverse, & sustainable society, while with the Amiri Decree No. 44 (2010) it established the DAAM Fund, supporting social & sports activities. It has since been the host of multiple sportive activities, one of them the 12th edition Asian Games, in 2011.

On 25 June 2013; HH Sheikh Hamad made a historic decision for both the country and the Arab world: he decided to step aside & pass on the reins of power to the younger generation, in a peaceful transition. Such voluntary abdication had been without precedent in The Middle East. Hamad's fourth son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Crown Prince from 2003, succeeded the throne. The retired Emir's second son by Sheikh Moza, he succeeded his brother, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad, who in his turn had been Heir to the Throne from 1996, succeeding his half-brother, Mishaal bin Hamad.

In retirement, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was known as Father Emir (in Qatari terms). Until the death of his father, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad (the Grandfather Emir) in October 2016, three generations of Qatari monarchs were alive. Hamad was married to three wives, including two of his first cousins, Mariam bint Muhammad and Noora bint Khalid Al Thani. He is survived by three wives, 24 children (11 sons & 13 daughters) and numerous grandchildren. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away at the age of 74, on Sunday 12 July 2026, thirteen years into the reign of his son Tamim, and was laid to rest later the same day at Lusail Royal cemetery, a place close to the palace, dear to Al Thani family.

Sources:

https://www.diwan.gov.qa/about-qatar/qatars-rulers/father?sc_lang=en https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/7/12/sheikh-hamad-bin-khalifa-al-thani-architect-of-modern-qatar https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamad_bin_Khalifa_Al_Thani https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/7/12/key-moments-from-former-qatar-emir-sheikh-hamad-bin-khalifa-al-thanis-life https://www.arabnews.jp/en/uncategorized/article_174305/ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/7/13/how-former-emir-sheikh-hamad-bin-khalifa-al-thani-built-qatar-economy https://www.noonpost.com/en/378941/amp/ https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/7/12/former-emir-sheikh-hamad-bin-khalifa-al-thanis-legacy-in-palestine https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cql1qdq14xro https://www.ft.com/content/4f3ad66c-135b-4ef4-b066-209b0e0d8453?syn-25a6b1a6=1 https://www.dw.com/en/qatar-former-emir-sheikh-hamad-bin-khalifa-al-thani-dies-at-74/a-77922794 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2026/07/15/sheikh-hamad-bin-khalifa-al-thani-emir-qatar-gulf-dies/ https://www.euronews.com/2026/07/12/former-qatar-ruler-sheikh-hamad-bin-khalifa-al-thani-dies-aged-74 https://www.gulf-times.com/article/729276/qatar/sheikha-mozas-heartfelt-message-for-hh-the-late-father-amir https://dohanews.co/qatars-former-pm-sheikh-hamad-bin-jassim-reflects-on-father-amirs-vision-leadership-and-legacy/ https://www.qatar-tribune.com/article/244506/latest-news/sheikh-joaan-pays-emotional-tribute-to-father-amir https://dohanews.co/the-measure-is-qatar-sheikha-al-mayassa-reflects-on-father-amirs-vision-and-legacy/ https://m.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/15/07/2026/ministers-pay-tribute-to-father-amir-hail-his-visionary-leadership

LIECHTENSTEIN ADOPTS ABSOLUTE PRIMOGENITURE: CHANGES TO GENDER-NEUTRAL SUCCESSION LAW

During his annual speech at the National Day of Liechtenstein on Saturday, 15th August 2026, The Regent, Hereditary Prince Alois revealed a historic change implemented by the Alpine Monarchy. He said that future female members of The Princely House will be eligible for an equal standing with male members on matters of the House and The Succession will change to absolute Primogeniture. That means, female members of The Princely House born after August 2026 will not be overshadowed by younger male siblings in line of succession, and the Sovereign's firstborn child, regardless of gender, would be heir apparent, expected to succeed as Sovereign Prince of Princess. Liechtenstein, a devout Roman Catholic Principality of ~ 44,000, will thus become the latest of European Monarchies to change the line of succession from cognatic (male-preference) to absolute (gender-neutral) primogeniture; with Spain and Monaco the only remaining dynastic monarchies in the continent where male descendants of the Monarch are prioritized in succession line.

Hereditary Prince Alois (58), to whom his father Prince Hans-Adam II (81) entrusted the country's day-to-day affairs back in 2004, delivered his public address to Liechtenstein's officials and people, gathered in a staged valley downhill from Vaduz Castle in the tiny Principality's capital. He first mentioned the importance of "the ability to combine continuity and renewal", before announcing the decision involving the amendment of The House Rules, for which a two-thirds majority of all voting members was required. The changes were launched at the end of last year, the modification of the Princely House Law voted in last Wednesday (12.08.2026). The two changes of this amendment are: the equal participation of female descendants of the Princely House in rights and matters it governs, with male descendants; and the change of The Succession Law from male-preferenced primogeniture to absolute primogeniture. The latter was naturally a breakthrough for the dynasty that in over four centuries of rule has only had male Monarchs.

The Sovereign Prince (whose long-ruling father, Prince Franz-Joseph II's Birthday, August 16, was made to coincide with the National Day) was only seen later, at Vaduz Castle's reception, after the formal ceremony which included his son's national address. The Regent's wife, Hereditary Princess Sophie (eldest daughter of the heir of the Salic Jacobite Line, claiming the British throne, and formerly ruling over Bavaria); watched from the first line of VIPs as the future sovereign delivered the historic announcement. Alois later clarified that those changes will affect the generation born after this month; thus his & Sophie's only daughter, Marie Caroline (married to Leopoldo Maduro Vollmer last year), will still be ineligible to enter the line of succession. Her eldest brother, Prince Joseph Wenzel (31), who is second in line to the throne but yet unmarried, was not seen present at The National celebrations. The Prince-Regent further added those changes aimed that the new heir to the throne and eventual Monarch be well prepared for duties lying ahead, by growing up (& educated) in Liechtenstein and by being "acquainted" with responsibilities over the Country and Princely House "from an early age."

Hereditary Prince Alois, as Deputy of The Sovereign Prince (reigning since 1989) since 15 August 2004, can excercize the powers of head of state, including and veto over Landtag (parliament), and rules over the management of The House and Princely Foundation (a source of personal wealth for The House of Liechtenstein). He and Hereditary Princess Sophie (born a Duchess IN Bavaria) have four children, out of whom only their daughter (& second child) has been married. Both the younger sister of Alois and of Prince Hans-Adam II (his father) are excluded from the line of succession of The Catholic Principality, which adopted female voting rights only in 1984 and still bans abortions. Among the ten European states with dynastic Monarchies, Liechtenstein (2026) becomes the eighth to adopt absolute primogeniture in its line of succession following: Sweden (1979), The Netherlands (1983), Norway (1990), Belgium (1991), Denmark (2009), Luxembourg (2011) & The United Kingdom (2013).

Video (Hereditary Prince Alois' interview, in German):

Sources (in English):

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn9nnxrxg4qo

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Succession_to_the_Liechtensteiner_throne#2026_Princely_House_Law

https://fuerstenhaus.li/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Staatsfeiertag-2026_Rede-S.D.-Erbprinz-Alois-final-Englisch.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liechtenstein_National_Day

https://fuerstenhaus.li/en/princely-house/house-law/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_monarchs_of_Liechtenstein

https://royalcentral.co.uk/europe/liechtensteins-royals-make-a-major-change-as-they-announce-women-can-finally-succeed-to-the-countrys-throne-218703/

https://www.msn.com/en-ie/politics/government/liechtenstein-changes-rules-to-allow-women-to-inherit-throne/ar-AA2ab4JT?ocid=BingNewsVerp