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Happy Birthday to Prince Hans Adam II of Liechtenstein, who turns 73 today! The eldest son of Prince Franz Joseph II and Countess Georgina of Wilczek, he was educated in Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Austria. Tasked with rebuilding the family fortune, which had been depleted and mismanaged after WWII, Prince Hans Adam established the Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation which controls much of the family’s assets throughout Europe, including Property, Castles, and Art, and is worth around $7.6 billion. He jokes that he “has to work in the morning, so he can afford to reign in the afternoon”. In 1967, he married Countess Marie Aglaë Kinsky of Wchinitz and Tettau, five years his senior. The couple have four children. In 1984, Prince Franz Joseph transferred powers to then Hereditary Prince Hans Adam, while still retaining his position as Head of State and Reigning Prince of Liechtenstein. Prince Hans Adam succeeded his father in 1989, and in turn, appointed his eldest son, Hereditary Prince Alois, as Regent in 2004. While largely retired from the day to day governing of the Principality, Prince Hans Adam is seen at some official events, including the annual National Day celebrations.
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He retired rather early, aged only 60. But then, when you have created an empire worth $7.6 billion, you’ve earned it! I would have done the same! 🙂 I wish him joy in the company of his lovely wife and children!