The apparent heir to the throne of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, died over the weekend after a long battle with an undisclosed illness. Prince Sultan passed away early Saturday morning at a New York hospital, officials in Riyadh confirmed. He was in his 80s and had reportedly been battling colon cancer since 2009.
Prince Sultan was the half-brother of King Abdullah and served as Saudi Arabia’s deputy prime minister and defense minister. It is believed Prince Sultan’s brother, Prince Nayef, will replace him as heir to the throne. Prince Nayef, who has served as interior minister for 36 years, was appointed second deputy prime minister in 2009. That post is usually filled by the second in line to the throne.
Prince Sultan’s body is being flown back to Saudi Arabia. A funeral service is planned for Tuesday in Riyadh.
In a statement released over the weekend, President Barack Obama offered his condolences to the people of Saudi Arabia. "He was a strong supporter of the deep and enduring partnership between our two countries. On behalf of the American people, I extend my deepest condolences to King Abdullah, the royal family, and the people of Saudi Arabia,” President Obama said.
###
Click here for more World News
