1929 - 1938

After studying law at the Universities of Vienna and Prague, Franz (born 1853, died 1938) first engaged in a military career, then entered the diplomatic service, where he worked as a temporary attaché at the Austro-Hungarian embassy in Brussels from 1879 to 1882.
In the years that followed, he assisted his brother in the administration of his properties, just as he continued to act as his representative and counsel in a wide range of matters over the years.
From 1894 to 1898, Franz served as Imperial ambassador in St. Petersburg. This activity resulted in initiatives to strengthen scientific contacts between Austria and Russia. For example, the great library of the Russian historian Bilbasov was purchased, and in 1907, the chair and department for Eastern European history were established at the University of Vienna.

In 1911, Prince Franz established the Central Commission for Historical Preservation. Due to his strong interest in history, he chaired several professional associations and contributed to the founding of many historical publication series.

In 1914, he became honorary member of the Academy of Sciences in Vienna, and he became hereditary member of the House of Lords in 1917. The recipient of numerous honors from Liechtenstein and abroad, the Prince transferred the regency of the Princely House to his young relative Franz Josef II shortly before his death.

Fürst Franz I.