The Saudi King has named the conservative Interior Minister as the new crown prince.
Prince Nayef bin Abdel-Aziz Al Saud, 78, is known for cracking down on Islamist militants and resisting moves toward greater openness in the conservative kingdom.
He was named on state television as heir to the throne following the death last week of Crown Prince Sultan.
Prince Nayef, who was also named Vice-Prime Minister, would assume the throne on the death of King Abdullah, 87.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies