RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef has been relieved of his post and replaced by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a royal decree published by state news agency SPA reported on Wednesday.
Salman, 31, is the son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and has been the Kingdom’s defence minister and deputy crown prince since 2014.
The young prince has taken a central role in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build its economy beyond the oil industry. He holds primary responsibility for the kingdom’s military and energy sector.
Nayef —a nephew of the king — was also holding the charge of interior minister. That position too, according to some reports, has been taken away from him and given to another of the king’s relatives.
