RIYADH, May 29: The condition of Saudi King Fahd, in hospital for medical tests, is “constantly improving”, Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdel Aziz said on Sunday, quoted by the official SPA agency. “Thanks to God, his health is constantly improving,” Prince Nayef told reporters without giving further details.

Alarm about the king’s condition was sparked by a rare royal statement which announced his admission to hospital on Friday and called on his subjects to pray for his recovery. Officials said he was suffering from high fever, pneumonia and respiratory complications from water in his lungs.

In case he dies, diplomats expect a succession that goes to plan, provoking no instability in the country. The script calls for Crown Prince Abdullah to ascend the throne and for Prince Sultan, now defence minister, to become crown prince.

“Crown Prince Abdullah has been the de facto leader for around 10 years, so it’s difficult to see how the policy of the kingdom would change after the king’s death,” one diplomat said.—Reuters