Franz Joseph II, Prince of Liechtenstein

HSH Franz Josef II, Prince of Liechtenstein, Franz Joseph Maria Aloys Alfred Karl Johannes Heinrich Michael Georg Ignaz Benediktus Gerhardus Majella , (August 16, 1906 - November 13, 1989) was the prince of Liechtenstein from 1938 until his death. His full title was Fürst von und zu Liechtenstein, Duke von Troppau und Jägerndorf, Count zu Rietberg.

Related Topics:
August 16 - 1906 - November 13 - 1989 - Liechtenstein - 1938

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He was son of Prince Aloys of Liechtenstein and his wife Archduchess Elisabeth of Austria (daughter of Archduke Karl Ludwig). He succeeded his childless cousin, Prince Franz I, after his father renounced his right of succession in his favour in 1921.

Related Topics:
Austria - Archduke Karl Ludwig - Franz I - 1921

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During his reign women received voting rights for the first time, following a referendum on the topic (among men only) in 1984.

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Franz Josef was an extremely popular monarch in Liechtenstein. He was the first ruling prince to live full-time in the principality. He was widely credited with keeping Liechtenstein out of World War II, and he also oversaw the economic development of Liechtenstein from a poor agricultural backwater into one of the richest countries (per capita) in the world.

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On 7 March 1943, at Vaduz, Franz Josef II married Gräfin (Countess) Georgine "Gina" von Wilczek. They had five children:

Related Topics:
7 March - 1943 - Vaduz

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• Hereditary Prince Hans-Adam
• Prince Phillip (born 1946). Married Isabelle de l'Arbre de Malander (born 1949) and has issue.
• Prince Nikolaus (born 1947). Married Margaretha of Luxembourg (born 1957), daughter of Grand Duke Jean, and has issue.
• Princess Norberta "Nora" (born 1950). Married Vicente Sartorius y Cabeza de Vaca (1931 - 2002), Marquess de Mariño, and has issue.
• Franz Josef Wenzeslaus "Wenzel" (1962 - 1991)

Franz Josef handed over most of his powers to his son, Hans-Adam, in 1984.

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