Daijiworld Media Network

Saudi Arabia, Oct 22: Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and the defence minister since 1962, Sultan bin Abdul Aziz al Saud, has died in the US, early Saturday.

The 83-year-old Crown Prince had suffered various health issues in recent years. He had been treated for cancer at a New York hospital in 2009. Since then, he was reportedly visiting the US for medical tests.

According to sources, a Saudi plane was preparing to leave JFK airport to take the body home.

The death was earlier reported by CNN, who cited an unidentified State Department official, and later announced on Saudi television by the royal palace, AFP reported.

No further details are known as yet.

Abdul Aziz is the half-brother of Saudi King Abdullah, who himself had been in the US for back surgery last year.

The 87-year-old monarch's advanced age, combined with health problems, has already raised concerns about the future of Saudi Arabia, which has been ruled by the al Saud family since 1932.

Prince Nayef, 77, who was appointed second deputy prime minister in March 2009, now becomes next in line to the throne.