Influential Saudi Prince Mohammed Bin Saud Dies Saudi Arabia says a senior prince and former defense minister has died. The 78-year-old Prince Mohammed bin Saud was not in line for the Saudi throne, but wielded influence as part of a council of royal family members that helps select the heirs to rule the oil-rich Western ally. The official Saudi Press Agency says Mohammed died Sunday, but gave no other details. Mohammed served as defense minister in the early 1960s and managed to retain political significance after his father King Saud was forced from the throne in 1964. Mohammed also served as governor of Al Baha province in southwestern Saudi Arabia from 1986 to 2010. Funeral prayers are planned for Monday.