Yesterday morning I was met by the news that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Sultan, had passed away. Now if you are like me, you'd think that an heir to the thrown is a man in his best years. Let's face it, most European crown princes/princesses are in their thirties or forties. Prince Sultan however, was in his eighties! Depending on the source of the news the age stated will vary, some say he was 80, others say he was 83.
Let's have a look at the current ruler, King Abdullah, who is said to be in his eighties as well, however some sources suggest that he might be 90+! Imagine ruling a country at the age when most people in the west are enjoying retirement and an easy life, some people may not even live to that age!
The reason why all the rulers are of a mature age is that the succession to the throne goes from one brother to another, rather than from father to son. It is said that the father of the current king, the founding father of modern Saudi Arabia King Abdul Aziz, had dozens of children. At least 20 of them were boys and while many died young there is still about a dozen brothers that all have a right to the throne, at least in theory. Some have however, relinquished their right to the throne due to health or other reasons. The youngest brothers are in their late sixties and they may never succeed to the throne at all.
In recent years the debate regarding the order of the succession to the throne has been discussed. Any changes are not to be expected any time soon, this is after all a place reluctant to change.
Let's have a look at the current ruler, King Abdullah, who is said to be in his eighties as well, however some sources suggest that he might be 90+! Imagine ruling a country at the age when most people in the west are enjoying retirement and an easy life, some people may not even live to that age!
The reason why all the rulers are of a mature age is that the succession to the throne goes from one brother to another, rather than from father to son. It is said that the father of the current king, the founding father of modern Saudi Arabia King Abdul Aziz, had dozens of children. At least 20 of them were boys and while many died young there is still about a dozen brothers that all have a right to the throne, at least in theory. Some have however, relinquished their right to the throne due to health or other reasons. The youngest brothers are in their late sixties and they may never succeed to the throne at all.
In recent years the debate regarding the order of the succession to the throne has been discussed. Any changes are not to be expected any time soon, this is after all a place reluctant to change.
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