Life in pictures: King Fahd

1 of 7 King Fahd of Saudi Arabia has died following a 23-year reign.

2 of 7 After acquiring a reputation as a playboy during his youth, the king developed his skills as a diplomat during the 1970's.

3 of 7 Following his ascension to the Saudi throne in 1982, the king steered the deeply conservative kingdom through a turbulent period.

4 of 7 He maintained good relations with many controversial Middle-Eastern leaders...

5 of 7 ...although Saudi relations with Saddam Hussein soured after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

6 of 7 He will be remembered for developing strong ties with the West.

7 of 7 In recent years, however, the ailing King was often confined to a wheelchair and delegated power.