NPR

Jamal Khashoggi's Complicated History With The Saudi Royal Family

For generations, the Khashoggi family has had close ties to the Saudi royals. Over a long career, Jamal Khashoggi was a loyalist who worked for the monarchy — and a critic who urged reform.

Jamal Khashoggi's grandfather was the doctor to King Abdul Aziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia in the 1930s.

His uncle Adnan Khashoggi became a celebrity billionaire as the weapons broker for another Saudi monarch, King Fahd.

The family name in Turkish means "spoon-maker," perhaps a nod to a history in that trade.

For the first time since the journalist's disappearance on Oct. 2, Saudi Arabia acknowledged late Friday in the country's consulate in

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
Got Brothers Or Sisters? Warm Sibling Bonds Help Booster Happiness As You Age
Researchers have found that a warm, close bond with a sibling in early adult life is predictive of good emotional health later in life, with less loneliness, anxiety and depression.
NPR4 min read
We Asked, You Answered: Let's Make A Toast To The Ways You Keep Calm And Carry On
Our readers responded to our callout, sharing the strategies they use to lift their spirits in the face of setbacks and woes. And yes, one way is: A jam happy face on toast!
NPR3 min readInternational Relations
World Central Kitchen Says It Will Resume Operations In Gaza
The aid group said the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire and that it has almost 8 million meals ready to distribute. The group halted efforts after Israeli strikes killed seven workers.

Related Books & Audiobooks