The first ladies: King Abdullah has had more than 30 wives during his lifetime, though very little is known about any of them individually.
Marriage, and more importantly its resulting offspring, is used to cement alliances in Saudi Arabia. His father, King Abd al-Aziz, wed a daughter of every tribal chief in his realm. King Abdullah has fathered at least 35 children and, according to a 2008 WikiLeaks cable, he "regularly receives hormone injections and 'uses Viagra excessively,'" procreating into his 70s.
The women of the House of Saud have played a major role in politics. Behind palace walls, they hold regular meetings with the king so he can explain his views and hear their thoughts.
Their husband: The House of Saud has ruled the kingdom since its inception in 1932, with King Abdullah inheriting the throne from his brother in 2005 and maintaining US backing. Citizens lack the legal means to change their government, and transparency in the judiciary is almost nonexistent, with severe punishment like chopping off hands for minor offenses.