Kuwait’s crown prince, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has been designated the country’s new emir following the death of his predecessor, Sheikh Nawaf, on Saturday, according to state television.
“Kuwait’s cabinet names the crown prince, his highness Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, emir of the state of Kuwait,” the news agency said.
According to the royal palace, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah passed away on Saturday at the age of 86 after three years in power during which time there were numerous political disputes.
“We mourn… the death of Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait,” stated a statement broadcast on official television.
Before the announcement, the channel had interrupted its usual programming and shifted to a broadcast of a Koranic recital.
According to the official KUNA news agency, Sheikh Nawaf was hospitalised “due to an emergency health problem” in November. It made no mention of his sickness, but he was later determined to be in stable condition.
Concerns about his health were frequent during his reign, given his age.
Sheikh Nawaf was named crown prince in 2006 by his half-brother Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. He became emir after Sheikh Sabah died in September 2020, at the age of 91.
