Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz dies

King Abdullah was the 13th of the 45 sons of King Abdulaziz. He is believed to have been born in August 1924 in Riyadh, although there is some dispute about his actual birth date.

When he came to the throne in 2005 he succeeded another half-brother, Fahd. However, he had already been Saudi Arabia’s de-facto leader for 10 years because his predecessor had been debilitated by a stroke.

In recent months Abdullah’s age and failing health had led to increasing focus on the issue of the Saudi royal succession.

The crown has traditionally passed between Ibn Saud’s sons, but few are still alive.

King Salman’s appointment of Mohammed bin Nayef – a grandson of Ibn Saud – as deputy crown prince effectively smoothes the line of succession for years to come.

Correspondents say Abdullah was seen as a reformer at home, albeit a slow and steady one.

He allowed mild criticism of his government in the press, and hinted that more women should be allowed to work.

King Salman spent 48 years as governor of Riyadh Province before becoming crown prince and defence minister.

BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner says it is thought unlikely that he will embark on any great changes.

In a recent meeting with the BBC in Jeddah, he appeared alert and well-briefed but walked with the aid of a stick, our correspondent adds.