Following is a statement by the Royal Court mourning Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud.

A statement by the Royal Court

"With great sadness, Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, all members of the family and the nation mourn the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as he passed away at one o'clock this morning, Friday, 03/04/1436 AH...

May Allah bestow on Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz His mercy and forgiveness and rest his soul in peace, and our comfort is in this nation's adherence to its sound religion. May Allah reward him the best of rewards for his work for the sake of Islam, this nation and Muslims.

The funeral prayers for the late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz are decided to be performed after this day, Friday, Asr (afternoon) prayers at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.

Another statement was issued by the Royal Court. Following is the text of the statement:

"A statement by the Royal Court"

Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received the Pledge of Allegiance as king of the country according to the Basic Law of Governance. After the completion of the Pledge of Allegiance, and based on item (Second) of the Royal Decree No. A/86 dated on 26/5/1435 AH, which stipulated that Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud shall be given the Pledge of Allegiance to be the crown prince in the event of the vacancy of the crown prince position, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, called to give the Pledge of Allegiance to Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz as the crown prince. Subsequently, he received the Pledge of Allegiance to that. The start of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz by the citizens will be at Governance Palace in Riyadh after Isha prayers of this day, Friday, 03/04/1436 AH.