AMMAN, Jordan (AP) – Jordan’s King Abdullah II stripped his half-brother and heir apparent of his title as crown prince yesterday, saying the title has restricted the young prince’s movements and ability to take on responsibilities.

Abdullah told Prince Hamzah, 24, in a televised message that he “decided to relieve you of your responsibility as Crown Prince to allow you to have more freedom of movement”.

The king also said the crown prince title will be shelved for the time being, and it was not immediately clear if he could be renamed in the future, if the king chose.

In an emotional message, read over the state television, Abdullah praised Hamzah, describing him as a “sincere soldier of this nation”.

The king said the crownship was an “honorary position, which does not give authority for its holder nor does it give him any responsibility”.

“That had prevented me from assigning you certain responsibilities,” the king added. He said the nation “needed all of us” to work collectively in the interests of Jordan.

Abdullah had named Hamzah crown prince hours after their father died of cancer on February 7, 1999. King Hussein, who had 11 children from four marriages, had often described Hamzah in public as the “delight of my eye”.

As crown prince, Hamzah’s duties included representing the king at events at home and abroad. He also oversaw several national institutions, including a prominent think tank.