McDonald's has taken out a full-page advert in a Saudi national newspaper in order to pledge allegiance to the country's new crown prince.

Mohammed bin Salman was appointed as successor to King Salman yesterday, replacing cousin Mohammed bin Nayef after reports of an internal power struggle.

And in a bizarre tribute, McDonald's - which in Saudi Arabia is largely controlled by another prince, Mishaal Bin Khalid al Saud - decided to sing his praises.

McDonald's in Saudi Arabia, which is mostly controlled by Prince Mishaal Bin Khalid al Saud, took out a full-page advert to pledge loyalty to new crown prince Mohammed bin Salman

McDonald's KSA, which stands for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a franchise operation which is owned by Riyadh International Catering Company. Mishaal al Saud is the CEO of that company.

The advert reads: 'We renew our allegiance and obedience for his royal highness, the servant of the two holy mosques, King Salman the son of Abdulaziz Alsaood.

'And we support Amir Mohammed bin Salman, his son, to become Minister of Defence and Prime Minster and to be nominated as successor.

'May God give him wisdom and equip him to rule his kingdom. With peace and prosperity, McDonald's.'

Salman, nicknamed 'Mr Everything', is seen as a symbol of hope for the country's youth - important in a nation where half the population is under 25.

Even as deputy crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman had been amassing powers ever since his father took the throne.

Mohammed bin Salman (left) was thought to be involved in a nearly two-year power struggle with his cousin Mohammed bin Nayef (right) before deposing him

Salman was pictured kissing the hand of Fayed yesterday after usurping him as successor to the throne. Nayef was also stripped of all his titles

He is responsible for running Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, dictating energy policy and spearheading plans for the kingdom to build an economic future after oil.

Now he also assumes the role of Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

Nayef, for years the kingdom's counter-terrorism chief who put down an al Qaeda campaign of bombings in 2003-06, is relieved of all positions, the decree said.

The new prince was then pictured bowing before Nayef and kissing the back of his hand as he accepted the position.

King Salman has also called for a public pledging of loyalty to Mohammed bin Salman in Mecca.

Prince Salman's appointment is politically significant because, at the tender age of 31, he will likely rule Saudi Arabia for decades after his 81-year-old father dies.