Jordan's King Abdullah II stripped his half-brother, Prince Hamzeh al-Hussein, of the title of crown prince, in a letter read out on Jordanian television.
The king wrote in the letter that the surprise decision was taken to allow his brother to be "more free to take up other posts, something which was not possible as crown prince".
"I chose you five years ago to be crown prince, rather than my other brothers who are older than you," said King Abdullah.
He stressed that the post was honorary rather than a position of power.
"I realise that this post is limiting your freedom," the king wrote to 24-year-old Prince Hamzeh, son of the late King Hussein and his fourth wife, Queen Noor.
"Our father, the late King Hussein had insisted to me, before his death, that this title of crown prince should remain honorary and this is what we have done during these five years," added King Abdullah.
His letter went on, "The country needing the efforts of each of us in the delicate circumstances in which the region is undergoing, including Jordan, we have decided to free you from this position of crown prince."
The king did not say to whom the title would pass, but stressed the post of crown prince would remain among his priorities. The prince was named crown prince on February 7, 1999 in the first decree issued by King Abdullah.
