RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a former intelligence chief, has been appointed Second Crown Prince, state television reported yesterday.
The appointment makes Prince Muqrin, the youngest son of the kingdom’s founder King Abdulaziz Al Saud, second in line to the throne after Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Defence Minister Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
“Prince Muqrin is granted allegiance as Second Crown Prince, a crown prince if the position becomes vacant and to be given allegiance as king of the country if both the positions of Crown Prince and King become vacant at the same time,” the official Saudi Press Agency said, quoting a statement from the royal court.
Prince Muqrin, who was born in 1943, is a graduate of the British Royal Air Force Academy and a former military pilot.
He is currently Second Deputy Premier and Saudi King Abdullah’s adviser and special envoy.
He has also been governor of Hail and Medina provinces.
Crown Prince Salman and the Allegiance Council have accepted Prince Muqrin as the Second Crown Prince, SPA reported.
