In this issue we evaluate reports of the king’s health and discuss the reasons behind the
postponement of his trip to France. With crown prince Sultan away in Morocco, where he has been joined by Prince Salman, we analyse rumours of his death or incapacitation, placing them in the context of Al Saud family relations. We also examine Interior Minster Prince Nayef’s growing role in running the government and his place in the pecking order, Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faysal’s absence and Prince Khaled b. Sultan’s reappearance, as well as the rising profile of Eastern Province Governor Prince Mohamed b. Fahd. In addition to this analysis (2,608 words), the issue comprises an Executive Summary (286 words) and a Saudi Royal Court Gazette (4,495 words) in which we record the reported activity, during the month, of 25 princes. Total number of words for this issue: 7,389.
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