Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has taken "full responsibility" for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi but denied he ordered the killing.
The Saudi royal has appeared on US television programme 60 minutes and spoken about Mr Khashoggi's slaying, labelling it a "heinous crime" and a "mistake" by agents of the Saudi government.
Saudi Arabia has charged 11 people over the journalist's death.
Mr Khashoggi, who had been critical of the regime in columns for the Washington Post, entered the Saudi consulate in Turkey on October 2, 2018, and never emerged. His body has never been found.
The interview aired in the US overnight, the 34-year-old crown prince told correspondent Norah O'Donnell: "This was a heinous crime."
He continued: "But I take full responsibility as a leader in Saudi Arabia, especially since it was committed by individuals working for the Saudi government."
When he was asked if he ordered the killing, the crown prince said: "Absolutely not."
A UN report asserted Saudi Arabia bore responsibility for the killing and that the crown prince's possible role should be investigated.
In Washington, Congress has said it believes the crown prince is "responsible for the murder".
Additional reporting by the Associated Press
