Saudi Arabia Appoints New Leader After King Abdullah's Death

Saudi Arabia swiftly ushered in a new king this week following the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who passed away Friday after spending days in the hospital due to a lung infection.

Hours after the 90-year-old leader was pronounced dead, his 79-year-old half-brother, Salman, took the throne and vowed to continue the same policies put in place by his predecessors.

"We will continue adhering to the correct policies which Saudi Arabia has followed since its establishment," Salman said in a speech on Friday.

The deceased king's body was reportedly wrapped in a shroud and buried in an unmarked grave in Riyadh less than 24 hours after his death. The king, in his old age, has spent the past several years battling a series of illnesses, including pneumonia and respiratory issues.

According to the Daily Mail, Prince Charles is expected to visit the Middle Eastern country in the coming days to offer his condolences on behalf of the queen, and Buckingham Palace lowered its flag to half-mast on Friday as a show of respect for the deceased leader of the oil-rich country.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abd Al Aziz Al Saud," British Prime Minister David Cameron said in a statement.

"He will be remembered for his long years of service to the Kingdom, for his commitment to peace and for strengthening understanding between faiths," Cameron continued, adding "My thoughts and prayers are with the Saudi Royal Family and the people of the Kingdom at this sad time."

"I sincerely hope that the long and deep ties between our two Kingdoms will continue and that we can continue to work together to strengthen peace and prosperity in the world," the prime minister added.