10 countries where royalty still rules

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Life

7. Liechtenstein

Monarchs-Liechtenstein

Along with Prince Albert of Monaco, Liechtenstein’s Prince Hans-Adam II is one of the last remaining monarchs in Europe to have actual political power.

Thanks to a new monarch-friendly constitution, he retains the power to veto laws and to appoint judges. The prince is also charged with choosing government officials, including the prime minister. He has the ability to dissolve parliament as well. In practice, it is Hans-Adam II's son, Prince Alois, who handles most of the day-to-day duties of ruling. Despite being unelected leaders, both father and son are very popular in Liechtenstein. A 2012 referendum to limit the prince’s power to veto laws was struck down by a three-quarters majority.

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