There seems to be a need for a thread for momentous, but uncertain, events.

I'll open the bidding with:

Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died at the age of 90.

Saudi state television cut to the recitation of Koranic verses, which often signifies the death of a senior royal.

Abdullah had ruled Saudi Arabia as king since 2005, but had run the country as de facto regent for a decade before that after his predecessor King Fahd suffered a debilitating stroke.

Abdullah's brother and crown prince, Salman, was declared the new king, according to a statement attributed to Salman.

"His Highness Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and all members of the family and the nation mourn the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who passed away at exactly 1:00am this morning," the statement said.

The new king has also called on the family's Allegiance Council to pay allegiance to King Salman's half brother Muqrin, who becomes the new crown prince and heir.

King Salman has been crown prince and defence minister since 2012 and was the governor of Riyadh province for five decades before that.

By immediately appointing Muqrin as his heir, subject to the approval of a family Allegiance Council, Salman has moved to avert widespread speculation about the immediate path of the royal succession in the world's top oil exporter.

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Calm, quiet, smooth, devastating