The funeral of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud will be held tomorrow (25.10.11).
The younger half-brother of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah - who was also heir to the throne- passed away in a New York hospital on Saturday (22.10.11) after battling illness, thought to be cancer, for some time.
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.
His body will now be flown back to Saudi Arabia with a burial expected to occur tomorrow and tributes have been flooding in since his death was announced.
US President Barack Obama said: "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."
Robert Jordan, a former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, added: "His passing marks the end of a significant era in Saudi Arabia. The steps taken to select a new Crown Prince will be watched by the world and will provide insight into King Abdullah's vision for future leadership of the Kingdom."
Saleh Al-Namla, a member of Saudi Arabia's Shura Council, said: "Crown Prince Sultan lived his life in service of his country and also serving the Arab people and the people of Saudi Arabia. He was very much loved by the country."
Meanwhile King Abdullah, 87, left a hospital in Riyadh on Saturday, following successful back surgery, his third procedure in the past year.
