Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud has replaced Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz al-Saud in a televised address to the nation.

Prince Muqrin, who was also first deputy prime minister, asked to be relieved of his duties and has been replaced by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef al-Saud.

King Salman is also reported to have appointed his son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud, as deputy crown prince. Prince Mohammed is also defence minister and head of the Royal Diwan.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman has had a high-profile role this year and has been actively involved in military operations in Yemen.

Media outlets in Saudi Arabia are also reporting a range of other high-profile cabinet changes. The most significant is Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal being replaced by Saudi ambassador to the US Adel al-Jubeir. Prince Saud will now be the king’s envoy for foreign affairs. Prince Saud was one of the world’s longest-serving foreign ministers.

King Salman had already made several changes to the Saudi cabinet when he became king in January this year, following the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud.