Riyadh – SPA:
The Royal Court issued a royal decree appointing Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz as Deputy Crown Prince, while he remains Second Deputy Prime Minister. The statement noted that Prince Muqrin will become Crown Prince should the position become vacant, and King of the Kingdom should both positions become vacant.
The text of the royal decree reads:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
No.: A/86
Date: 26/5/1435 AH
With the help of Allah, the Most High
We, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
In accordance with the teachings of Islamic law, which mandate holding fast to the rope of Allah and cooperating in accordance with His guidance, and in order to ensure adherence to legitimate and constitutional means to achieve national unity, cohesion, and cooperation for the common good, and based on the Sharia principles upon which the system of government in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is founded, and in order to safeguard the integrity and future of the state, and to ensure—with the help of Allah, the Most High—its continuity on the foundations upon which it was established to serve the religion, then the country and its people, and whatever is good for its loyal people.
Having reviewed the Basic Law of Governance issued by Royal Decree No. A/90 dated 27/8/1412 AH.
And having reviewed the Law of the Allegiance Council issued by Royal Decree No. A/135 dated 26/9/1427 AH.
Having reviewed the Executive Regulations of the Allegiance Council Law issued by Royal Decree No. A/164 dated 26/9/1428 AH.
Having reviewed the minutes of the Allegiance Council No. 1/H-B, dated 26/5/1435 AH, based on Document No. 19155, dated 19/5/ 1435 AH, which stipulated the desire of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, that the members of the Allegiance Council express their opinion regarding the selection of His Royal Highness Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as Deputy Crown Prince, and that this was endorsed by a large majority of the members of the Allegiance Council, exceeding three-quarters.
Pursuant to the provisions of Clause (III) of Royal Decree No. A/135 dated 26/9/1427 AH.
And in accordance with the requirements of the public interest.
We hereby decree the following:
First: His Royal Highness Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is appointed Deputy Crown Prince, while he shall continue to serve as Second Deputy Prime Minister.
Second: His Royal Highness Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Crown Prince, shall be sworn in as Crown Prince in the event that the office of Crown Prince becomes vacant, and shall be sworn in as King of the Kingdom in the event that the offices of King and Crown Prince become vacant simultaneously.
The position of Deputy Crown Prince for the purpose of the pledge of allegiance is limited to the two cases mentioned in this clause.
Third: Our selection, endorsement, and desire—as well as that of our brother His Royal Highness the Crown Prince—to appoint our brother His Royal Highness Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz as Deputy Crown Prince, together with the endorsement and approval of the Allegiance Council, shall take effect as of the issuance of this decree, and under no circumstances may it be amended or altered in any way by any person, whoever they may be, nor may the provisions of the document signed by us and our brother, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, No. 19155, dated 19 / 5/1435 AH, nor the contents of the minutes of the Allegiance Council No. 1/H-B, dated 26/ 5/1435 AH, which endorsed our selection and that of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of His Royal Highness Prince Muqrin ibn Abdulaziz by a large majority exceeding three-quarters of the members of the Allegiance Council.
Fourth: Without prejudice to the provisions of clauses (First, Second, and Third) of this decree, the King – in the future – should he wish to appoint a Deputy Crown Prince, to present his nominee to the members of the Allegiance Council, and to issue a royal decree confirming the appointment following the approval of a majority of the Council’s members.
Fifth: This decree shall be communicated to the competent authorities for approval and implementation.
Oath of Allegiance to Prince Muqrin
Oaths of allegiance were sworn to His Highness Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz following the issuance of the royal decree appointing him as Deputy Crown Prince while he remains Second Deputy Prime Minister, Their Highnesses extended their congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, may God protect them, on the occasion of the issuance of the gracious royal decree appointing His Royal Highness Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as Deputy Crown Prince. A large gathering of citizens from various sectors and groups across the Kingdom eagerly pledged their allegiance to His Royal Highness Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz.