King Talal assended the throne upon the martyrdom of his father, King Abdullah I, on 20 July 1951. His health however forced him to give up the throne in less than a year of his ascendance, on 11 August 1952. King Talal's reign marked substantial improvement in relations with Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

King Talal (center) during a state visit Syria, 1952 © Royal Hashemite Court Archives

A liberal constitution was also developed during his short reign. This constitution made the government collectively, and ministers individually, responsible to the Parliament. The constitution was passed in Parliament on 1 January 1952.