Saudi prince in charge of Mecca region dies at 65

RIYADH, May 5 (Reuters) A leading Saudi prince and son of Saudi Arabia's founder has died in a US hospital at 65, state media reported today.

Prince Abdul-majid bin Abdulaziz was the governor of the key Mecca region, home to Islam's holiest site and scene of the annual haj pilgrimage, since 2000. He was previously governor of Medina and Tabuk.

Seen as close to King Abdullah, the prince was one of 44 sons of Saudi Arabia's founder Abdulaziz bin Saud. It was not clear what he died from but he had been ill for some time. He died yesterday, the official news agency SPA said.

Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, is governed by the Saudi royal family as an absolute monarchy with no elected parliament or political parties.

Its leading figures including the king and Crown Prince Sultan are in their 70s and 80s.

Reuters SBC VV1706