In the preceding years, following a degree in forestry from the Hochschule für Bodenkultur in Vienna, Franz Josef II had devoted all his energies to the administration of the family’s extensive estates in Czechoslovakia, a focus of interest that did not prevent him from simultaneously developing a deep understanding of the family’s art collection. Moving the princely residence to Vaduz led to a close connection developing between people and monarch, in a way that had previously never existed.

Only two months after a failed putsch, in which National Socialists in Liechtenstein had wanted to precipitate the annexation of the principality by the German Reich, the ceremony of hereditary homage was held at Schloss Vaduz on, celebrating the affirmation by the people of the state, monarchy and the preservation of independence. This led to a close connection developing between people and monarch, in a way that had previously never existed. After the ‘Anschluss’or annexation of Austria by the National Socialist German Reich on 13 March 1938, Franz Josef II took up residence in Vaduz, thus becoming the first Reigning Prince to reside in Liechtenstein. Franz Josef II assumed the regency over the princely house and the principality on 30 March 1938 (initially as prince regent until the death of his predecessor Franz I in the following July) in a time fraught with difficulty.

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