Liechtenstein Salutes Prince’s 50-Year Reign
The tiny principality of Liechtenstein on Tuesday marked the 50th anniversary of the coming to power of Prince Franz Josef II, Europe’s longest-reigning head of state.
Parliament held a special session in honor of the 81-year-old monarch, and a portrait of the prince etched onto Liechtenstein marble was unveiled in the government building in the capital, Vaduz.
Franz Josef is the second-longest ruling head of the state in the world, behind Japan’s Emperor Hirohito, 87, who has reigned for 62 years.
He oversees a 62-square-mile principality with a homogenous population of 27,000.
Four years ago Franz Josef turned over administrative duties to his eldest son, Hans Adam, and since then, his role has been largely ceremonial.
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