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The Saudi Press Agency reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of condolences to UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham following the passing of his father. In the message the Crown Prince expressed his deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to Burnham and the family of the deceased. He wished the prime minister continued good health and safety while praying for mercy on the departed. The communication was issued through official channels in Riyadh on September 16, 2026.
Burnham’s father Roy died on Monday after living with advanced Alzheimer’s disease that had progressed to the point where he was unaware his son had become prime minister. The prime minister told reporters he had received numerous messages of support from people around the country and expressed appreciation for the outpouring. He added that it would be difficult for a time but that returning to governing duties remained important. Arab News detailed the family circumstances in its coverage of the condolences.
Andy Burnham became prime minister in July 2026 after his predecessor Keir Starmer stepped aside following a series of election setbacks. The former mayor of Greater Manchester had held the top government post for approximately two months when the family loss occurred. His ascension marked a notable shift in British leadership during a period of political recalibration.
The Crown Prince had spoken with Burnham shortly after the latter assumed office and used the conversation to congratulate him while reviewing bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. During that exchange the leaders examined existing areas of cooperation and discussed opportunities to expand them. Burnham used the opportunity to condemn Houthi attacks on regional shipping and to reaffirm support for the Kingdom’s security and sovereignty, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The Saudi Press Agency has routinely carried similar messages of condolence from senior Saudi officials to international counterparts in recent years. Such exchanges form part of the regular diplomatic protocol maintained by the royal court. The latest cable aligns with a pattern of personal outreach that complements formal state-to-state engagements.
In the condolence cable the Crown Prince stated, “We received the news of the passing of your father, and we express to Your Excellency and your family our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, wishing you continued good health and safety, and that you see no evil.” The verbatim text was distributed by the Saudi Press Agency as part of its official dispatch. The message concluded with hopes for strength for the bereaved family in the coming period.
