Fifty years ago today, on March 25, 1975 (February 13, 1975 in the lunar calendar), Saudi King Faisal was assassinated by his sick nephew. Faisal, moderate in the Arab world. On March 25, 1975, the news that King Faisal of Saudi Arabia was assassinated in Riyadh caused a shock in the Middle East. King Faisal was killed at a palace reception by his nephew, who had a history of mental illness. Hundreds of Saudis dressed in white robes gathered outside the palace to pay tribute to the 70-year-old Faisal and express support for the monarchy. Crown Prince Khalid soon succeeded Faisal, but the new Crown Prince Fahd was expected to hold real power. Faisal was seen as Israel's enemy, but his tone was gentle and peaceful.