However, in 2009, when he was gravely ill with cancer, the late Prince Nayef was appointed Second Deputy Prime Minister (a position for the crown prince in waiting), presumably to keep the position of Crown Prince within the Sudairi faction.
Namun, pada 2009, ketika dia sakit parah karena mengidap kanker, Pangeran Nayef ditunjuk sebagai Wakil Perdana Menteri Kedua(posisi putra mahkota yang di tunggu-tunggu), mungkin untuk menjaga posisi putra Mahkota dalam Faksi Sudairi.