Crown Prince of Kuwait facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crown Prince of Kuwait |
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| ولي العهد الكويت | |
Arms of His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait
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| Incumbent | |
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| Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah since 2 June 2024 |
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| Details | |
| Style | His Highness |
| Formation | 29 October 1962 |
| Residence | Bayan Palace |
The Crown Prince of Kuwait is like a vice-president or a future king. This person is the heir apparent, meaning they are next in line to become the Emir of Kuwait. The Emir is the ruler of Kuwait.
According to Kuwait's rules, the Crown Prince must be a descendant of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah. The Emir chooses the Crown Prince within one year of becoming Emir. The National Assembly, which is like Kuwait's parliament, must approve this choice. They do this by voting. If the National Assembly doesn't agree, the Emir suggests three people from Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah's family. The National Assembly then chooses one of them to be the Crown Prince.
To be chosen, the person must be an adult and have a clear mind. They must also be the legal son of Muslim parents.
How is the Crown Prince Chosen?
There are a few traditions that help decide who becomes Crown Prince. These traditions are usually followed when picking the next in line.
Family Traditions for Choosing the Crown Prince
First, the role of Crown Prince often switches between two branches of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah's family. These are the descendants of Jaber II Al-Sabah and Salim Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. However, this tradition has changed a bit over time. For example, in 2024, someone from a different family branch was chosen.
Second, the royal family's elders usually pick the Crown Prince. This decision is made by a special group called the Family Council.
Third, the choice of the next ruler is a private family matter. It is not usually discussed in public.
Crown Princes of Kuwait (1962–Present)
Here is a list of the people who have served as Crown Prince of Kuwait since 1962.
| Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
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| Sheikh Sabah Al-Salim Al-Sabah
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12 April 1913 – 31 December 1977 (aged 64) | 29 October 1962 | 24 November 1965 | Youngest son of Salim Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah | Al Sabah |  |
| Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah
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29 June 1926 – 15 January 2006 (aged 79) | 31 May 1966 | 31 December 1977 | Third son of Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah | Al Sabah |  |
| Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah
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13 May 1930 – 13 May 2008 (aged 78) | 18 February 1978 | 15 January 2006 | Eldest son of Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah | Al Sabah |  |
| Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
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25 June 1937 – 16 December 2023 (aged 86) | 20 February 2006 | 29 September 2020 | Sixth son of Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah | Al Sabah | .jpg) |
| Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
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27 September 1940 | 8 October 2020 | 16 December 2023 | Seventh son of Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah | Al Sabah |  |
| Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah
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3 March 1953 | 2 June 2024 | Incumbent | Half-nephew of Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. First Crown Prince from the Al-Hamad branch of the family | Al Sabah | |
