Saudi king’s son is new crown prince

Saudi Arabia's king has appointed his son Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince - replacing his nephew, Mohammed bin Nayef, as first in line to the throne.

King Salman's decree also means Prince bin Salman, 31, will become deputy prime minister while continuing as defence minister.

Prince bin Nayef, 57, has been removed from his role as head of domestic security, state media has said.

He had pledged allegiance to the new crown prince, news agency SPA reports.

Saudi Arabia had typically been ruled by kings in their 70s or 80s.

Prince bin Salman's rapid ascent was seen by the younger generation as a sign that things were changing.

Before his latest promotion, he was responsible for leading Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, overseeing the kingdom's energy policy and economic reform.