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Prince Joseph Wenzel of Liechtenstein, Count of Rietberg (Joseph Wenzel Maximilian Maria von und zu Liechtenstein), born 24 May 1995 in London), is the eldest child of Prince Alois of Liechtenstein and his wife Princess Sophie of Bavaria, Duchess in Bavaria.

The prince has three younger siblings: Princess Marie-Caroline (b. 1996), Prince Georg-Antonius (b. 1999) and Prince Nikolaus Sebastian (b. 2000)

Joseph Wenzel is named in honour of his ancestor Josef Wenzel, Reigning Prince of Liechtenstein from 1712 to 1718 and from 1748 to 1772. He bears the name Maximilian in honour of his maternal grandfather Prince Max, Duke in Bavaria, and his paternal uncle and godfather, Prince Maximilian of Liechtenstein. In accordance with the custom of several Roman Catholic dynasties in Europe, including that of both his parents, he was given the name Maria in honour of the Virgin Mary.

The Princely House of Liechtenstein

Since birth, Joseph Wenzel has borne the title "Prince of Liechtenstein" and "Count of Rietberg." He is second in line for the throne of Liechtenstein, preceded only by his father who has been Regent of Liechtenstein (Stellvertreter des Fürsten) since 15 August 2004.

However, Joseph Wenzel's grandfather Prince Hans-Adam formally remains Head of State and head of the Princely House of Liechtenstein. When Prince Alois inherits that top position, Joseph Wenzel will become the Hereditary Prince (Erbprinz), i.e. the immediate heir to the throne of Liechtenstein.

The Royal House of Stuart

Joseph Wenzel is regarded by Jacobites as third in line for the kingship of England, Scotland and Ireland. Joseph Wenzel's great-uncle Franz, Duke of Bavaria, is the current Stuart pretender although he makes no claim to the thrones of the British Isles, nor did any of his ancestors through whom he descends from Charles I of England.

Prince Franz is elderly and has no children. Accordingly, upon Franz' death the status of Stuart pretender falls to his brother Prince Max; then to Max's eldest daughter Sophie, Joseph Wenzel's mother; and thirdly to Joseph Wenzel himself.

Joseph Wenzel's birth generated some excitement in Jacobite circles. Firstly, having been born at Portland Hospital in London, he is the first Jacobite heir born in Great Britain since James Francis Edward Stuart in 1688. Secondly, barring unforeseen circumstances, Joseph Wenzel will eventually become a Head of State, a position not held by a Stuart pretender since his five-greats-grandfather Victor Emmanuel I ruled Sardinia.

The Royal House of Wittelsbach

Although Joseph Wenzel's grandfather Prince Max will become Duke of Bavaria and head of the Royal House of Wittelsbach when his older brother Prince Franz dies, these titles are governed by Salic Law and cannot pass to Princess Sophie by any means nor, through her, to Joseph Wenzel. Instead, when Max and Franz are deceased, these honors will pass to the cadet branch of the Wittelsbach family to which Joseph Wenzel's cousin Prince Ludwig belongs.

* Princely Family of Liechtenstein