Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz has removed his half-brother from the post of crown prince and named his nephew in the place.
"Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz al-Saud is relieved from his position as crown prince and deputy prime minister in accordance to his wishes. Secondly, the selection of his highness Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as the crown prince, deputy prime minister, interior minister and head of the political and security affairs council. Thirdly, this order will be sent to the relevant parties for it to be implemented. (Signed King) Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud."
The post of crown prince secures Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as the most likely successor to King Salman.
He is widely known internationally as Saudi Arabia's counter-terrorism head.
King Salman also appointed his son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as deputy crown prince.
The changes signal a major shift at the top of the ruling Al Saud family away from princes chosen by the late King Abdullah, who died in January, and towards those close to the new monarch.
