In a statement shared on Wednesday (Dec. 6), the Princely House of Liechtenstein confirmed the sudden and unexpected death of Prince Constantin – the youngest son of the reigning Prince of Liechtenstein Hans-Adam II. A cause of death wasn’t revealed, but they did confirm that he passed away on Dec. 5.
Constantin is survived by his loving wife, Princess Marie of Liechtenstein, and his three children – Prince Moritz, Princess Georgina, and Prince Benedikt. Being the youngest of Hans-Adam III’s sons, he was 7th in line to the throne – his older brother, Hereditary Prince Alois, is expected to succeed Hans-Adam.
NEW – Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein dies "unexpectedly" at 51, the Princely House said in a statement. pic.twitter.com/OTNLvDfcQQ
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) December 7, 2023
In response to the tragic news, the state parliament issued a moment of silence on Wednesday (Dec. 6), and churches throughout the country rang their bells to honor the Prince. Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Benno Elbs, paid his respects and sent prayers to the Prince’s family. It was a day no one saw coming.
“I am united with them and the entire royal family in mourning and praying for the deceased,” Elbs wrote in his statement on December 6. “I wish Prince Hans-Adam II, Princess Marie, the children, and everyone who mourns the deceased a lot of strength and comfort. God grant Prince Constantin eternal rest.”
Who Was Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein?
Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein was born on March 15, 1972, in St. Gallen, Switzerland – according to his obituary in the Liechtensteiner Vaterland newspaper. He graduated from Liechtenstein High School and later graduated from the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg with a degree in law.
Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein dies ‘unexpectedly’ at 51 https://t.co/rl6Ph7U5dw pic.twitter.com/84RGlRgNQ1
— New York Post (@nypost) December 7, 2023
Prince Constantin was more than just the reigning Prince’s youngest son – he served as ‘Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Liechtenstein Group AG and a member of the Board of Directors of the Liechtenstein Group Holding AG,’ according to a recent statement released by Liechtenstein Group AG.
Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein dies aged 51 https://t.co/Ou26QGY6h3 pic.twitter.com/pOmrYlF6VE
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) December 6, 2023
“His death comes as a terrible shock to all those who knew him, and the Liechtenstein Group is in deep mourning,” the Liechtenstein Group wrote in a statement of their own. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his widow Princess Marie von und zu Liechtenstein, and their children Moritz, Georgina, and Benedikt.”
#NEW Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein passed away suddenly yesterday at the age of 51. He was the youngest son of Prince Hans Adam II and younger brother of Prince Regent Alois
— CoutureAndRoyals (@CoutureRoyals) December 6, 2023
This is so so sad ???? sending condolences to his wife and children as well as ???????? Princely family pic.twitter.com/v8ARyTDMNc
He was also general director and chairman of the board of the Prince Liechtenstein Foundation for 11 years, according to the Liechtensteiner Vaterland newspaper. The Foundation is responsible for nearly all of the Royal Family’s assets, including a massive art collection, the family’s wine cellar, and a museum.
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For those who don’t know, Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a population of just 40,000 people. Snuggled between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is a German-speaking principality – it doesn’t have a King, but rather a Prince of Liechtenstein and an elected parliament.