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Mohammed bin Salman became the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia even though he is not actually the eldest son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud. Photo/SPA via REUTERS
RIYADH – Raja Salman bin Abdulaziz is the ruling ruler Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the moment. Whereas Mohammed bin Salman is the crown prince even though he is not the eldest son of the king.
In monarchical tradition, the king’s successor is the eldest son. But not with what happened in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the Islamic kingdom, the crown prince or future king is determined by a royal family body known as the “Allegiance Council of Saudi Arabia”.
Just to note, King Salman has been married three times and has fathered at least thirteen children, including twelve sons.
King Salman’s First Wife
Quoting the New York Times, King Salman’s first wife was his cousin, Sultana bint Turki Al Sudairi—daughter of his maternal uncle, Turki bin Ahmad Al Sudairi, former governor of Asir province.
Also read: Mohammed bin Salman Named the Most Influential Arab Leader 2022
They married in 1954, when Salman was only 18 years old. The Sultana gave birth to six children, including her only known daughter. Two of their sons died as adults. Sultana died on 30 July 2011.
King Salman’s son with Sultana is:
1. Prince Fahd (1955-2001)
Salman was only 19 years old when he became a father with the birth of Fahd in 1955.
Fahd is married to a cousin and is the father of four children. He grew up to become a businessman and horse breeder. He died of heart failure at the age of 47 in July 2001. After his death, his mother helped a charity which was renamed “The Prince Fahd bin Salman Charitable Society for the Care of Kidney Patients”. Fahd’s brother, Abdulaziz, had taken over the charity after their mother’s death.
