But the husband of a British Queen who occupies the throne has absolutely no formal role.

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When he renounces the papal throne, he no longer has papal authority.

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Prince Nayef, the crown prince and power behind the throne, believes this is no time to show weakness.

ECONOMIST: Saudi Arabia

It appears that he has no intention of reclaiming the chief executive's throne, only of getting control of the board and firing present management.

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Even those that do not take home the throne can rest easy knowing there is no better place than an outhouse to wipe the slate clean for next year.

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No sign that Queen Madonna will be abdicating from her throne just yet.

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There is no reason to believe that the recent ascension to the Saudi throne of the erstwhile Crown Prince will offer any relief.

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Besides, no successor, however worthy, can hope to equal the stature King Bhumibol has attained after 55 years on the throne.

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