Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Saudi Arabia Deposes King Saud in 1964 Royal Coup; BBC Launches HD TV in 1936
On November 2, 1964, the leaders of Saudi Arabia decided it was time for a new king.
The old king, Saud, had spent too much money and wasn't managing the country's finances well, which made other important people in his family unhappy.
So, they carefully arranged for his half-brother, Faisal, to become the new king.
It wasn't a violent fight, but more like a planned switch.
This change helped Saudi Arabia start modernizing.
Also, on November 2, but way back in 1936, a TV station in London started showing the world's first regular high-definition shows.
It was much clearer than older TVs and showed that television was becoming more advanced.
King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was removed from power in Saudi Arabia through a bloodless coup within the royal family on November 2, 1964.
The coup was orchestrated by Crown Prince Faisal due to King Saud's poor financial management and extravagant spending.
King Faisal ascended the throne, initiating a period of modernization and reform in Saudi Arabia.
On November 2, 1936, the BBC launched the world's first regular high-definition television service from Alexandra Palace in London.
The BBC's HD service initially featured mechanical and electronic systems, eventually settling on the superior 405-line electronic system.
- Who
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was deposed and replaced by his half-brother, Crown Prince Faisal.
- What
- A bloodless coup within the royal family led to the removal of King Saud and the ascension of King Faisal, and the BBC launched the world's first regular high-definition television service.
- When
- November 2, 1964, for the Saudi coup, and November 2, 1936, for the BBC TV launch.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia for the coup, and London, UK for the BBC TV launch.
- Why
- King Saud's extravagant spending and poor financial management led to national debt and discontent, prompting a transfer of power within the royal family. The BBC launched HD TV to advance broadcasting technology.
- Saudi Coup Date
- November 2, 1964
- Deposed King
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
- New King
- King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
- BBC HD TV Launch Date
- November 2, 1936
- BBC HD TV Location
- Alexandra Palace, London