Sultan was a central figure in Saudi decision-making since becoming defense minister in 1962.
“With deep sorrow and sadness the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah mourns the death of his brother and his Crown Prince Sultan ... who died at dawn this morning Saturday outside the Kingdom following an illness,” said the statement carried on Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and state television. Prince Sultan’s health had declined in recent years.
King Abdullah is now expected to call to session the Allegiance Council to appoint the crown prince. Second Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Prince Naif is expected to be named crown prince.
The Allegiance Council was set up in 2006 soon after Abdullah became king, and is tasked with voting to approve the king’s choice of crown prince or nominating its own choice instead.
“The succession will be orderly,” said Asaad Al-Shamlan, a professor of political science in Riyadh. “The point of reference will be the ruling of the Allegiance Council. It seems to me most likely Naif will be chosen. If he becomes crown prince, I don’t expect much immediate change.”
Prince Naif has been interior minister since 1975 and was appointed second deputy premier in 2009, a position usually given to the man considered third in line to rule.
Saudi television broke its schedules early on Saturday to broadcast Qur'anic verses accompanied by footage of the Kaaba in Makkah. Funeral services will be held in Riyadh on Tuesday, SPA said.
