Majid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Majid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (; 19 October 1938 – 13 April 2003) was a Saudi royal and businessman who served as the governor of Mecca from 1980 to 1999.

Early life and education

Majid bin Abdulaziz was born in Riyadh on 19 October 1938 to King Abdulaziz and Muhdi. His mother was an Armenian woman. and two full sisters, Sultana bint Abdulaziz and Haya bint Abdulaziz. Prince Majid received formal education in Riyadh. Prince Mutaib also joined the Saudi cabinet at that time, being appointed minister of public works and housing. These two appointments were a move to reduce the power of Sudairi Seven in the cabinet.

Views and allegiances In the early 1960s Prince Majid joined Free Princes Movement led by Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz. Prince Majid was close to both then Crown Prince Abdullah and Sudairi Seven, acting as a floating voter in contests. However, during his tenure in Mecca governorship he was much closer to Crown Prince Abdullah.

Personal life Prince Majid married Nouf bint Abdallah bin Fahd Al Muhanna Aba Al Khail. He had seven children, two sons and five daughters. One of his daughters, Princess Jawaher bint Majid, is the first Saudi woman to have been granted the title of the patron of arts in Saudi Arabia. Another daughter, Princess Basma bint Majid, married Prince Bandar bin Faisal Al Saud.

Prince Majid was fond of reading books on social history and culture and of learning foreign languages and learned English and French. Mishal bin Majid is the chairman of the society.

Death and funeral Prince Majid died in Jeddah after suffering from a prolonged illness on 13 April 2003. Crown Prince Abdullah, Prince Sultan, Prince Nayef, Prince Salman and other senior Saudi royals attended the funeral.

Honours 60px Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Sash (2nd Class) for Services to the Republic of Austria (2000). 60px Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (21 October 1977).

Ancestry