The Reigning Prince is the Head of State. The Reigning Prince may only exercise his right to State authority in accordance with the Constitution and other legal provisions.
He represents the State in relations with other States. He signs international treaties himself or delegates this authority to a representative. Some international treaties only become valid through ratification by Parliament.

The Reigning Prince contributes to the legislative process through his right to initiative in the form of Government proposals and through his right to sanction legislation, the validity of which depends on such sanction.
The Reigning Prince is authorized to enact Princely Orders. For instance, he opens Parliament with such an Order. Princely Orders include emergency decrees. By means of emergency decrees, the Reigning Prince can take urgent measures to ensure the security and welfare of the State without the involvement of Parliament, but with the countersignature of the Prime Minister.

The Reigning Prince has the right to open Parliament at the beginning of the year and to adjourn it at the end of the year. Traditionally, he opens Parliament with a ceremonial speech from the throne. During the year, the Reigning Prince may suspend Parliament for at most three months or dissolve it on grounds of considerable importance.

On recommendation of Parliament, the Reigning Prince appoints the Government, judges of the Court of Justice, judges of the Court of Appeal, judges of the Supreme Court, and the presidents and vice-presidents of the Constitutional Court and the Administrative Court.

The authority of the Reigning Prince also includes the right to pardon, the right to reduce and commute lawfully imposed sentences, and the right to grant amnesties, i.e., to quash initiated investigations. All jurisdiction in the country is exercised by judges bound by law and on behalf of the Reigning Prince. All judgments are pronounced on behalf of the Reigning Prince.