Crown Prince Sultan Returns to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Sultan returned home Friday after a year long absence. He had spent that time in New York for an operation and went on to recuperate in Morocco. It was never revealed why the octogenarian Crown Prince needed medical attention, and there was concern over the future of the Saudi monarchy due to Sultan’s health.

AP Photo/ Saudi Press Agency

But all seemed to be forgotten as he landed on Saudi soil at the Riyadh airport. A large crowd of Saudi royals and officials were there to greet the Crown Prince, including King Abdullah, his half-brother. The two men embraced and joked with each other on live national television.

“I come back to the land of the nation and God has granted me good health,” Sultan said. “I feel happy and exulted and am delighted as I meet the king and the loyal Saudi people.”

He also spoke about recent events in Saudi Arabia, such as a flood that killed 119 people and the recent hajj. The Crown Prince also mentioned world events, including the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. He likely did so to prove that despite his absence, he was still aware of what was going on in his home country.

Crown Prince Sultan is the deputy prime minister of Saudi Arabia. He was made Crown Prince in 2005, and has been the Defense Minister for the past 47 years.

During his time away, Interior Minister Prince Nayef was appointed by King Abdullah as second deputy prime minister. This led many to wonder if the Prince would succeed the King if Crown Prince were to die before assuming the kingship.

Saudi Arabia’s monarchy is not inherited in a father to son method. In 2006, the King set up an Allegiance Council in which the sons and grandsons of King Abdulaziz – the founder of the oil rich kingdom – vote via secret ballot on who should be King and Crown Prince.