Princess Reema bint Bandar al-Saud has been appointed to represent Saudi Arabia in the US, replacing King Salman’s son, Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud who will now return back to serve as the country’s deputy defence minister. The move comes amid deteriorating ties with the US following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the alleged torture of imprisoned female activists.
Princess Reema studied an Arts degree in museum studies at George University Washington in the US, and spent part of her childhood living in the states.
She is known for her philanthropic work and advocacy of women’s rights, and was previously a CEO of a retail company that worked with Harvey Nichols.
Princess Reema wrote on Twitter after her appointment: “I will work with God’s permission to serve my country, its leaders and all its children and I will spare no effort to that end.”
The US envoy overseas is one of the most prestigious roles in the Saudi Kingdom, however, relations between the West have soured with rising allegations of state-sponsored oppression.
Last month, Saudi teenager Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun tried to escape from the country en route from Kuwait to Australia, insisting she was abused and oppressed by her family.
In December last year, Saudi Arabia’s public prosecutor said Khashoggi was assassinated and dismembered inside the country’s consulate in Istanbul.
However, Saudi Arabia denies Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the murder.
Speaking about Princess Reema’s appointment, Bessma Momani, professor of political science at Canada’s University of Waterloo told Al Jazeera: “The way it is received is probably one of a PR exercise, in an attempt to deflect attention away after a very tumultuous year after the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and a lot of continued criticism of the Saudis in the war in Yemen and other policies within Washington and beyond.
“Princess Reema understands the culture, knows how to be a valuable interlocutor, all of the qualities that you want in a diplomat, particularly in a post like the United States.
“But of course, I think there are many people who will see this totally for a PR exercise. They need good PR, frankly. But make no mistake, she is very successful, eloquent and is deserving of the job.”
Princess Reema will follow in her father’s footsteps, Bandar bin Sultan al-Saud, who held the US ambassador post from 1983 to 2005.