Liechtenstein’s Prince Constantin dies ‘unexpectedly’ at 51

Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein has died at age 51 on Tuesday, the royal household has announced.

The father of three, who was the seventh in line to the throne, was the third son of the reigning Prince Hans-Adam II.

His death has been described as “unexpected” and no cause of death has been shared at this time, according to a local media outlet.

“The Princely House regrets to announce that H.S.H. Prince Constantin von und zu Liechtenstein passed away unexpectedly on 5 December 2023,” a statement from the royal household read.

“Prince Constantin was chairman of the supervisory board of Liechtenstein Group AG and a member of Board of Directors of Liechtenstein Group Holding AG.”

Prince Constantin wed Princess Marie of Liechtenstein in 1999 and went on to welcome three children together, Prince Moritz, 20, Princess Georgina, 18, and Prince Benedikt, 15.

Liechtenstein’s state parliament held a minute’s silence Wednesday to pay tribute to the late royal.

Apostolic Administrator Benno Elbs, afterward, paid his respects to the royal family following their sudden loss.

“It was with great sadness that I learned today of the death of SD Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein,” he said, according to local newspaper Vaterland.

“On behalf of the Archdiocese of Vaduz, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to SD Prince Hans-Adam II, the wife of the deceased, Princess Marie, and their children Prince Moritz, Princess Georgina, and Prince Benedikt.”

“I am united with them and the entire royal family in mourning and praying for the deceased,” he said, adding that the country’s churches rang their bells in the late royal’s honor that day.

“I wish Prince Hans-Adam II, Princess Marie, the children, and everyone who mourns the deceased a lot of strength and comfort,” he went on.

“You may feel supported by the many people who are praying for the deceased throughout the principality. God grant Prince Constantin eternal rest.”

Prince Constantin studied law before becoming the general director and chairman of the board of the Prince Liechtenstein Foundation — a role he held for over 11 years.

The foundation takes care of almost all of Liechtenstein’s royal family’s assets, including one of the largest private art collections in the world.