The crown prince, aged around 86, also the minister of defence and aviation, had been in the United States since mid-June for medical treatment. He was operated on in July but no information was released on his health conditions since then.
A half brother of King Abdullah, Sultan had spent long periods abroad for health reasons.
He died while the monarch himself, 87, remains in hospital in Riyadh, a week after he had an operation on his back.
The second in line to the succession, Prince Nayef, 78, another half-brother of King Abdullah who holds the portfolio of interior becomes the crown prince.
He was named second deputy prime minister in March 2009.
Prince Sultan`s funeral will take place on Tuesday after his body is repatriated from the United States.
(U.C003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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