Saudi prince died in London hotel from drug and alcohol combination, inquest finds

A 29-year-old Saudi prince, Abdullah bin Fahad bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Jalawi Al Saud, was found dead in his London hotel room on November 25 last year. The investigation into his death, held at the Inner West London Coroner's Court, concluded that the cause was a fatal combination of alcohol and substances.

Toxicology reports revealed a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal driving limit in the UK. His system also contained potentially lethal concentrations of GHB, a recreational drug, along with traces of cannabis and alprazolam (Xanax), and other anxiety medications. The autopsy determined he died of cardiac arrest due to this drug and alcohol cocktail.

During the inquiry, it emerged that the prince had been struggling with alcohol and Xanax dependency. He had undergone a detoxification program at the Priory clinic in Roehampton in August 2025 for alcohol, benzodiazepines, and pregabalin. A psychiatrist noted his good cooperation during treatment and that the detoxification proceeded without physical complications. After his discharge, he continued treatment at another private clinic, where he was also treated for a respiratory infection, before leaving on October 14.

Assistant Coroner Jean Harkin found no evidence of suicide or third-party involvement. She stated that both clinic staff and the evidence presented indicated no suicidal intentions. No suicide note was found in the hotel room.