Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein, a prominent businessman and a member of the Princely House of Liechtenstein, passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2023, at 51 years old. The Princely House of Liechtenstein announced his death, plunging the nation and the royal family into a state of grief.
Born on March 15, 1972, in St. Gallen, Switzerland, Prince Constantin was the youngest son of the reigning prince of Liechtenstein, Prince Hans-Adam II, and Countess Marie Kinsky. His early life was closely linked to the historical and administrative aspects of Liechtenstein, a small German-speaking principality situated between Switzerland and Austria.
Following his education at Liechtenstein High School, Prince Constantin pursued higher education, obtaining a master’s degree in law from the University of Salzburg. His career was distinguished by his contributions to the family’s business interests, notably in his role as the general director and chairman of the board of the Prince Liechtenstein Foundation for 11 years, a key entity in managing the royal family’s assets.
Under Prince Constantin’s guidance, the Liechtenstein Group, an international investment and holding company headquartered in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, expanded into various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, renewable energy, and real estate. His leadership was integral to the success and growth of these ventures.
Prince Constantin married Countess Marie Kálnoky de Kőröspatak in 1999. The couple had three children: Prince Benedikt, Princess Georgina, and Prince Moritz. He was known for his commitment to his family and his philanthropic efforts, such as supporting the reconstruction of a kindergarten playground in the Czech Republic after it was destroyed by a tornado.
Despite his noble lineage and business expertise, Prince Constantin preferred to keep a private life, rarely appearing in public. His sudden passing has left a profound impact on those who knew him in both personal and professional capacities. The Liechtenstein Group released a statement mourning his loss and expressing sympathy to his widow, Princess Marie, and their children.
The principality of Liechtenstein, a constitutional hereditary monarchy led by Prince Hans-Adam II, has Hereditary Prince Alois, Prince Constantin’s elder brother, as the next in line for the throne. With a population of about 40,000 and a size akin to Washington, D.C., Liechtenstein features a unique political structure with a combination of monarchical and democratic elements, providing a system of checks and balances.
