House of Saud

The House of Saud is the royal family of Saudi Arabia. While the modern nation of Saudi Arabia was established in 1932, the House of Saud has been around for much longer. Prior to Ibn Saud, this family ruled the Nejd and often came into conflict with the Ottoman Empire and the Rashidis. The House of Saud is also linked with Wahhabism through the marriage of the son of Muhammad ibn Saud with the daughter of Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab in 1744.

Branches

Saudi royality is split into several camps, depending on lineage.

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Sons of Abdul Aziz (ibn Saud, the founder of the modern Saudi state) are from the Abdul Aziz line of the family, and have been the only members allowed to serve as King or Crown Prince. As this generation will not last forever, King Fahd decreed that their sons -- the grandsons of ibn Saud -- would also be eligible, to provide new heirs to the throne. Members of this line are referred to with the style "His Royal Majesty" or "His Royal Highness."

Related Topics:
Style - Royal Majesty - Royal Highness

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All other members of the House of Saud are referred to as members of the Cadet line. Members of this line are referred to with the style "His Highness."

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