Prince Joseph Wenzel of Liechtenstein

Prince Joseph Wenzel Maximilian Maria was born on 24 May 1995 at the Portland Hospital for Women and Children in the West End of London. He is the eldest child of Prince Alois and his wife Duchess Sophie in Bavaria. He has three younger siblings: Princess Marie-Caroline (born 1996), Prince Georg (born 1999) and Prince Nikolaus (born 2000). Joseph Wenzel is named in honour of his ancestor Joseph Wenzel, the reigning Prince of Liechtenstein from 1712 to 1718 and again from 1748 to 1772. His name Maximilian is 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.

In 2013 he was receiving his secondary education in England at Malvern College, where he was joined by his sister Marie-Caroline.[1] After he left Malvern in May 2014, Joseph Wenzel took a gap year, during which he travelled to, and gained work experiences in, the United States and South America.[2]

Since birth, Joseph Wenzel has borne the titles "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 since 15 August 2004.[3] However, Joseph Wenzel's grandfather Prince Hans-Adam II formally remains head of state and of the Princely House of Liechtenstein. Upon the accession of his father, Joseph Wenzel would become the hereditary prince (Erbprinz), i.e. the heir apparent to the throne.[3]

Joseph Wenzel is also third in line in the Jacobite succession as successor to the current heir, Franz, Duke of Bavaria.[4]