Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein, a businessman and a member of the Princely House of Liechtenstein, died unexpectedly on December 5, 2023, at the age of 51.
The news of his passing was announced by the Princely House of Liechtenstein, leaving the nation and its royal family in a state of mourning.
Born on March 15, 1972, in St. Gallen, Switzerland, he was the youngest son of Prince Hans-Adam II, the reigning prince of Liechtenstein, and Countess Marie Kinsky. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in the history and governance of Liechtenstein, a small, German-speaking principality nestled between Switzerland and Austria.
After completing his education at Liechtenstein High School, Prince Constantin pursued his master’s degree in law at the University of Salzburg.
His professional life was marked by significant contributions to the family’s business interests. He served as the general director and chairman of the board of the Prince Liechtenstein Foundation for 11 years. This foundation plays a crucial role in managing the royal family’s assets.
Under his leadership, the Liechtenstein Group, an international investment and holding company headquartered in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, diversified into sectors like agriculture, forestry, renewable energy, and real estate. Prince Constantin’s dedication to these roles was evident in the growth and success of the ventures he oversaw.
In 1999, Prince Constantin married Countess Marie Kálnoky de Kőröspatak. They were blessed with three children: Prince Benedikt, Princess Georgina and Prince Moritz. Prince Constantin was known for his commitment to his family and his contributions to various charitable causes. Notably, he supported the reconstruction of a Czech Republic kindergarten playground destroyed by a tornado.
Despite his royal lineage and business acumen, Prince Constantin maintained a relatively private life, often staying out of the public eye. His unexpected death has come as a shock to those who knew him, both personally and professionally.
The Liechtenstein Group released a statement expressing deep mourning over his passing, emphasizing the loss felt by all who knew him. The organization extended its thoughts and prayers to his widow, Princess Marie, and their children.
Liechtenstein, a constitutional hereditary monarchy, has Prince Hans-Adam II as the current reigning prince, with Prince Constantin’s elder brother, Hereditary Prince Alois, next in line for the throne.
The principality, roughly the size of Washington, D.C., with a population of about 40,000, shares a unique political structure where the reigning prince and a democratically elected parliament coexist, ensuring a system of checks and balances.
