On 15 August 2004, the prince formally appointed his son Prince Alois as regent, in preparation for his succession to the throne, but remained head of state in accordance with the constitution.
15. august 2004 udnævnte prinsen formelt sin søn Prins Alois som regent som forberedelse til hans arv af tronen, men forblev statsoverhovede i overensstemmelse med grundloven.