Prince Joseph Wenzel, heir to the Liechtenstein throne at 29, is poised to become one of Europe’s wealthiest royals, with a fortune reportedly reaching 8.6 billion euros. Born in London, he values privacy and a normal upbringing despite royal status. Educated at Malvern College and with experiences in various countries, he aspires to follow his family’s legal and business legacy. While aware of his future responsibilities, he remains optimistic and eager to explore before assuming his role.
Meet Prince Joseph Wenzel: The Future Ruler of Liechtenstein
At just 29, Prince Joseph Wenzel of and to Liechtenstein is set to inherit the throne and become one of the wealthiest royals in Europe. His grandfather, Prince Hans-Adam II, currently holds the title of the richest royal, with a fortune tied to the LGT Group—a prestigious private banking and asset management firm owned by the princely family. This foundation is one of their most significant assets, securing their financial legacy.
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, as reported by ‘Manager Magazin’ in November 2023, Prince Joseph’s fortune has reportedly soared to 8.6 billion euros. Unlike the British royal family, the wealth of Prince Hans-Adam II is personally owned, and it is likely that his grandson will follow in those footsteps. Allow us to introduce you to Europe’s future richest heir.
A Glimpse into Prince Joseph Wenzel’s Early Life
Born in 1995 at London’s Portland Hospital, Prince Joseph Wenzel Maximilian Maria is the firstborn son of Alois of and to Liechtenstein and Hereditary Princess Sophie. The royal family remains discreet and rarely engages with the media, usually only making public appearances during national holidays. The Liechtenstein family is often considered one of the least recognized among European royals, maintaining a low profile that aligns with their small, peaceful nation nestled between Switzerland and Austria, where around 40,000 residents enjoy one of the highest per capita incomes globally.
Prince Joseph Wenzel values his privacy and the anonymity that comes with it. In a 2014 interview, he expressed the importance of his family’s low-key lifestyle, stating, “It has always been crucial for my parents and grandparents not to be in the gossip columns. This allows me to live freely like anyone else.” As a result, little is publicly known about his romantic life, as he has not yet been seen with a partner.
The prince grew up alongside his three siblings in the secure environment of Vaduz Castle. Despite his royal status, he describes his upbringing as “completely normal.” He recalled in an interview, “I had a group of friends since kindergarten, and it was essential for me to experience life like any other teenager.”
After completing primary school in Vaduz, Joseph Wenzel pursued an elite educational journey. He attended Malvern College, a prestigious boarding school in Worcestershire, England. Following his graduation, he ventured abroad, experiencing life in Peru, Bolivia, and the USA, where he landed an internship in the Senate in Washington. It is reported that he later studied law in Vienna.
In his 2014 conversation with ‘Liechtensteiner Volksblatt,’ Prince Joseph Wenzel shared his educational aspirations, saying, “When I attend university, I plan to follow in my father and grandfather’s footsteps by studying law or business.” Although he hadn’t mapped out his career journey post-graduation, he anticipated living abroad for a few years to gain valuable work experience before returning to Liechtenstein.
The bond between Prince Joseph Wenzel and his affluent grandfather is strong. They share winter skiing and summer fishing trips, with the young prince viewing his grandfather as a mentor who always has insightful answers to his questions.
Despite the weight of his future responsibilities as the heir, Prince Joseph Wenzel has expressed a balanced perspective on his role. He noted, “I am aware that I will eventually assume my father’s position, which is expected of the firstborn. However, it hasn’t been a primary concern for me.” He acknowledges moments of longing for a life with more options but remains optimistic about the future, stating, “There’s still ample time before I take on my father’s duties, allowing me to explore various experiences.”