Politics
12:20, 21-Jun-2017
Saudi king names son as crown prince, replacing nephew
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Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Wednesday named his 31-year-old son Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince, according to a royal decree published by the official news agency SPA.
The younger Salman replaced Mohammed bin Nayef, the king's 57-year-old nephew, as next in line to the throne. The new crown prince was also named deputy prime minister, and maintains his post as minister of defense.
Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman waves as he meets with the president of the Philippines in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 11, 2017./ VCG Photo
Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman waves as he meets with the president of the Philippines in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 11, 2017./ VCG Photo
Following the sudden announcement, Nayef pledged his allegiance to the next ruler of the kingdom, Saudi state television reported.
The appointment was approved by the kingdom's Allegiance Council. The king is also calling for pledges of loyalty.