News - Middle East: Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), is no longer expected to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, despite earlier expectations following an invitation from the British government.

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The news of the UK’s invitation to MBS was met with a wave of protests and criticism from Saudi dissidents and human rights groups over the infamous crown prince’s pivotal role in the assassination of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

An unnamed British foreign office source was quoted by Reuters as saying on Sunday that the UK had previously expected the crown prince to attend the ceremony for the late monarch, but the kingdom would be represented instead by Prince Turki bin Mohammed al Saud, a minister of state who has been a member of the cabinet since 2018.

The change was made by Saudi Arabia, the source added, without giving any reason for the decision.

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, died at the age of 96 and was succeeded by her eldest son, Charles III.

Hundreds of foreign royals and leaders are expected to attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London on Monday in one of the biggest diplomatic gatherings in decades.