But the 43-year-old former investment banker has denied having any ambitions to inherit the presidency from his father.

Some analysts say a succession to Gamal could only happen while  Mubarak is alive to prevent a power struggle or military intervention.

Making the transition to the presidency more complex, Mubarak has refused to appoint a vice-president.

The route to the presidency has come via the vice-presidency in Egypt's two previous successions.