Royalty in the 20th Century (Part 3)

KUWAIT is a constitutional monarchy. The al-Sabah dynasty has ruled the country for more than 200 years. The country became a British protectorate in 1899. It gained its independence in 1961. Although Kuwait has a national assembly, the emir, Sheikh Jabir al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah, maintains a great deal of authority over the government. In 1999 the Kuwait Democratic Forum issued a statement calling for a separation between the offices of crown prince and prime minister, and an end to the royal monopoly on government posts.

LESOTHO is also a constitutional monarchy. The royal family's founder, Moshesh, placed his country, then called Basutoland, under British protection in the mid-19th century. Lesotho became independent in 1966. Prime minister Leabua Jonathan suspended the constitution in 1970, removing the king's power. In 1990 King Moshoeshoe II went into exile and his son Letsie III became the country's figurehead monarch. In 1994 Letsie seized control of the government, promising the people that he would put his father back on the throne. He abdicated in January 1995 in favor of Moshoeshoe, but a year later Moshoeshoe was killed in a car accident and Letsie III once more became king. He has sworn an oath not to become involved in politics.

LIECHTENSTEIN had three monarchs in the 20th century. The first, Johann II, made his home in Austria, as his predecessors had done. His son and successor, Franz Josef II, became the first monarch of Liechtenstein to actually reside in the country. Franz Josef reigned for 51 years. He died in 1989 and was succeeded by his son, Prince Hans-Adam II. In 1999 Hans-Adam II said that the monarchy should be based on democratic principles. However, he is said to be willing to go into exile rather than give up his tremendous power over the government.

LUXEMBOURG was invaded by Germany in 1914, during the reign of Grand Duchess Marie-Adelaide. The Germans occupied the country until the end of the First World War. In 1919, Marie-Adelaide abdicated and her sister Charlotte became the new grand duchess. Germany invaded again during World War II, forcing Charlotte to flee to London. She returned after the war. In 1964 Charlotte abdicated in favor of her son Jean, who is the current grand duke. Jean has announced that he will abdicate in September 2000 in favor of his son Henri. Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy; the monarch swears to observe the country's laws and has little political power.

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