The affection King Saud showed toward children—embodied in his tender, fatherly care for his young son, Prince Mishhoor—brought joy to every American who witnessed it. President Roosevelt addressed King Saud saying: “We foresee in you a great leader of the Arab nation and a guardian of the holiest cities of Islam.” The royal visitor carried a message of peace and called for justice in a hall long echoing with disputes and disagreements.
The American and Saudi leaders walked together toward the podium to exchange their official welcoming speeches.
A photograph captured King Saud and President Roosevelt leaving Washington Airport, with Prince Mishhoor—whose famous wave drew the attention of Americans—visible in the car.
The second monarch of modern Saudi Arabia is seen shaking hands with the wife of U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon, who awaited his turn to greet the King. Also visible is Sheikh Abdullah Al‑Khayyal, the Saudi ambassador to Washington.
President Eisenhower bid farewell to King Saud after the friendly visit at the official guesthouse in Washington.
Prince ‘Abd al‑Ilah, Crown Prince of Iraq, appears with King Saud at the official guesthouse during the 1957 visit.
Another photograph shows King Saud kissing his son Mishhoor after the young prince was discharged from Walter Reed Hospital, holding a card expressing gratitude to American children and other well‑wishers who had sent messages and gifts praying for his recovery.
Prince Mishhoor, who accompanied his father on the visit, appears with children of Arab diplomats and their friends, absorbed in a playful contest of “who can make the loudest sound with his whistle.”
Riyadh – Badr Al‑Kharif
King Saud’s visit to the United States nearly 55 years ago is considered one of the landmark diplomatic journeys in Saudi‑American relations. It strengthened bilateral ties and achieved its primary purpose: discussing contemporary global issues and Arab concerns—foremost among them the Palestinian question, which dominated his talks with President Eisenhower, who had extended the invitation.
During this historic visit, King Saud addressed the United Nations General Assembly—a hall long filled with the echoes of international disputes. On that unique occasion, the King delivered a speech that drew repeated applause and admiration. He carried to the delegates a message of peace and goodwill, urging them to rise above discord. He affirmed:
“Returning to the fold of the United Nations, restoring relations among nations to its principles and teachings, adhering to its Charter in letter and spirit, and enabling peoples seeking freedom and independence to determine their own destiny—this is the only path to spare humanity the evils of crises and the scourge of war.”
Beyond its political and economic outcomes and the extensive media coverage it received, the visit left a deep emotional impact on the American public. The King’s kindness won their admiration, and his young son Mishhoor—though uninvolved in official talks—achieved a personal triumph. His charming smile and friendly wave, broadcast across American newspapers and television screens, won the hearts of millions. The King’s evident affection for his son touched every parent who witnessed it.
When Vice President Nixon apologized to the King for the cold and gloomy weather as the monarch prepared to depart Washington, King Saud replied:
“What I shall remember is the warmth of your welcome.”
Documenting the Visit
Nearly half a century later, the King Abdulaziz Foundation reissued a comprehensive record of the visit. The material—apparently produced by ARAMCO—includes written and filmed documentation of King Saud’s address at the United Nations, his visit to the White House, the Islamic Center in Washington, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland, concluding with footage of the farewell ceremonies.
The record notes:
“The arrival of His Majesty King Saud in New York was among the most splendid occasions the city—accustomed to receiving the world’s most prominent figures—had ever witnessed.”
Even before the royal entourage reached New York, the U.S. government extended its welcome. While the ship Constitution was still far from the harbor, a squadron of B‑47 jet aircraft flew out to greet the King, signaling America’s delight at his visit.
Upon reaching the harbor entrance, a U.S. Coast Guard vessel transferred the King and members of his entourage to the destroyer USS Willis Lee. A naval band played as the King boarded, the Saudi flag was raised, and a 21‑gun salute thundered across the water. Eight destroyers passed in formation before the King, their crews standing in salute.
Awaiting him at the pier was President Eisenhower’s personal representative, Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, along with senior U.S. officials, UN delegates, diplomats, and prominent business leaders. The King’s gracious response to their welcome deeply moved those present:
“I have come to America at the invitation of my great friend, President Eisenhower. It is only natural given the bonds of friendship between our two nations. I hope my visit and the discussions it entails will strengthen these ties and yield results beneficial to the Middle East and to humanity at large.”
The grandeur of the reception highlighted the inadequacy of the New York governor’s earlier lukewarm welcome—an incident swiftly condemned by President Eisenhower and the American press.
A Message to the World
On 29 January 1957, the General Assembly—so often a stage for conflict—witnessed a rare moment of unity as King Saud delivered a message of peace. The enthusiastic applause reflected both the nobility of his message and his stature as a global statesman.
UN Secretary‑General Dag Hammarskjöld personally received the King and escorted him to a luncheon attended by eighty distinguished guests. When the time came for the King to address the Assembly, the entire hall rose in respect as he entered, accompanied by the Assembly President, Prince Wan Waithayakon of Thailand.