On September 26, 2012, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Hans-Adam II and Princess Marie along with Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein attended the celebrations of the 150th year of the Landtag of Liechtenstein in Vaduz.
The Landtag is Liechtenstein’s parliament.
On Monday, September 3, 2012, His Royal Highness The Duke of York was in London “…abseiling down the Shard skyscraper…” to raise money for the Outward Bound Trust.
Click here to watch a video news report as well as to read an article from the BBC News.
And, finally, His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein recently attended the opening of Lihga 2012 in Schaan.
Interview with Prince Hans-Adam II
On Wednesday, August 15, 2012, Their Serene Highnesses Prince Hans-Adam II and Princess Marie von und zu Liechtenstein along with Hereditary Prince Alois and Princess Sophie celebrated National Day 2012 in Vaduz. Unfortunately, Prince Maximilian and Princess Angela of Liechtenstein did not attend.
The princely family, along with thousands of locals, celebrated their special day “… on the grassy meadows below Vaduz Castle… at 2pm a folk festival began in the Vaduz Städtle and in the evening there were fireworks…”
Also, during today’s celebrations Hereditary Prince Alois gave a speech regarding immigration and reforms. Here is what he had to say (rough translation, sorry):
Hereditary Prince Alois has called for reforms and a Cautious Opening of Immigration for Economic Reasons.
‘The economy calls for an easing of immigration rules. Otherwise, the country could recruit not enough experts in the current critical phase’ the Hereditary Prince Alois said in his speech on the Vaduz Castle meadow in the splendid summer weather before over 2,000 festival visitors.
Hereditary Prince Alois, who took over the reign from his father eight years ago, proposed a “well-designed and cautious opening” of immigration. The country should be connected to a facilitated naturalization of host foreigners. Liechtenstein is one of approximately 37,000 inhabitants and almost as many jobs as possible. The commuters make up the majority of the employees.
Reforms according to Hereditary Prince Alois are also needed in the next few years in the social system. He also spoke about pension, care, family support and health. The responsibility in these areas must be strengthened and help must come to the really needy. According to the prince, this means that quite a few premium payers will get the cost of social security systems to track more.
As another key priority, is the education system. The system has improved not only by money, but need further reforms, roughly in the direction of school autonomy.
Source: Volksblatt
According to Reuters, “… voters in Liechtenstein rejected a proposal to abolish the ruling prince’s right to veto… 76.1% to 24% in favor of the princes…” So, yeah… the bratty ballerinas of Liechtenstein still have a firm hand and absolute power over their subjects. 
Click here to read the entire article.
Source: Reuters. Photo courtesy of AP/P. Klaunzer
Could this be the end of the principality of Liechtenstein? Possibly. “The people of Liechtenstein will go to the polls on Sunday in a nationwide referendum aimed at curtailing the political power of the princely family…” the BBC News reports.
If the referendum passes, which would remove the princes veto power over legislation, Prince Hans-Adam and Hereditary Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein vowed to “halt their [privileged] princely duties…” Basically, they’re acting like ballerinas with holes in their tights abandoning their stage (country)!
Brats.
Confused by all this? Well, click the links below to read several articles.
Source: BBC News
Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan were at Akasaka Imperial Compound in Tokyo on June 12, 2012, to attend the wake for the late Prince Tomohito of Japan.
Prince Tomohito of Japan, cousin of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito, died last week at the age of 66. The late prince was outspoken regarding the issue of women ascending the Chrysanthemum throne. Basically, he was against it.
Any way, to learn more about the life of the late prince as well as to view photos of the Imperial Crown Princely couple please click here and here.
And, finally, here is an article from Reuters regarding the ongoing drama in the principality of Liechtenstein and His Serene Highness Prince Hans-Adam von und zu Liechtenstein.
According to AFP news, His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein and his family vowed to quit their princely duties, “…if Liechtenstein passes a referendum eliminating the prince’s veto, a power enshrined in the constitution.”
Last month the prince stated:
The royal family is not willing to undertake its political responsibilities unless the prince… has the necessary tools at his disposal… But if the people are no longer open to that, then the royal family will not want to undertake its political responsibilities and will completely withdraw from political life.
Click here to read more from France 24.
Source: AFP News
The Royal Correspondent 