Crown prince recovering after surgery in New York for an undisclosed illness . Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al - Saud appears to be in his 80s . While many Saudis took the appointment to mean that Nayef is now the country 's crown prince in waiting and second in line to be king , others interpreted it as a simple administrative move , ensuring leadership at home if Abdullah and Sultan are abroad at the same time . Has been convalescing at his home in the Moroccan city of Casablanca . Saudi officials have maintained publicly that Sultan 's health has improved .
Crown prince recovering after surgery in New York for an undisclosed illness . Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al - Saud appears to be in his 80s . Has been convalescing at his home in the Moroccan city of Casablanca . Saudi officials have maintained publicly that Sultan 's health has improved .