Royal Watch News

Saudi's Crown Prince Nayef buried

Jun 18, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Crown Prince Nayef

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud has been buried.

Prince Nayef - who died in Geneva, Switzerland, on Saturday (16.06.12) - was laid to rest after sunset prayers in the holy city of Mecca yesterday (17.06.12).

His body was flown back into the port city of Jeddah on Sunday from Geneva, where he had died while receiving medical treatment.

79-year-old Nayef - who was also deputy prime minister and interior minister and was one of 23 sons of former King Abdul Aziz ibn Saud - who only became crown prince last year and following his death, many international leaders and members of the Saudi royal family paid tribute to him.

British Prime Minister David Cameron praised the prince's 'dedication' and US President Barack Obama focused on his role in fighting terrorism.

Nayef's 76-year-old brother Prince Salman may succeed him as crown prince.

Prince Salman is current defence minister and has been governor of the capital Riyadh for many decades and is thought to be more liberal-minded than his brother.

The succession in Saudi Arabia still passes among the sons of former King Abdul Aziz ibn Saud, who established the modern kingdom during his reign from 1932 to 1953. So far, five brothers have become kings and about 20 are still alive.