Sara bint Mashour Al Saud is a prominent figure within the Saudi royal family, known for her marriage to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). Despite her significant position, Princess Sara maintains a low public profile, leading to considerable intrigue about her life and role within the kingdom.
Early Life and Royal Lineage
Born in 1973 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Princess Sara is the daughter of Prince Mashour bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Princess Noura bint Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabir. Her father, Prince Mashour, is one of the sons of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, making Sara a granddaughter of the nation’s architect. This lineage places her within the upper echelons of Saudi royalty, connecting her to the central figures who have shaped the kingdom’s history.
Education and Upbringing
Details about Princess Sara’s education are scarce, reflecting the private nature of her life. However, it is known that she received her education under the guidance of an English governess and later attended King Saud University, one of the leading institutions in Saudi Arabia. This educational background suggests a blend of traditional Saudi upbringing and exposure to broader perspectives, aligning with the royal family’s emphasis on balancing heritage with modernity.
Marriage to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
On April 6, 2008, Princess Sara married her first cousin, Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Their union is a testament to the familial ties that often characterize royal marriages within the House of Saud. Together, they have five children: Prince Salman, Prince Mashour, Princess Fahda, Princess Noura, and Prince Abdulaziz, born in April 2021. The naming of their children reflects the family’s tradition of honoring ancestors and notable figures within the royal lineage.
Public Presence and Privacy
Unlike many royals who engage actively with the public and media, Princess Sara is known for her discretion and absence from the public eye. She rarely appears at official events or in media coverage, leading to her being dubbed the “Barbie Princess” due to her elusive presence. This deliberate choice to maintain privacy has fueled curiosity and speculation about her life and role within the royal family.
Philanthropy and Interests
While Princess Sara’s public engagements are limited, she is reported to have a keen interest in charitable endeavors and community development. Her commitment to philanthropy aligns with the broader efforts of the Saudi royal family to support social initiatives within the kingdom. Additionally, she is known to advocate for science and innovation, reflecting a progressive outlook that complements Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals aimed at diversifying the economy and fostering technological advancement.
Allegations and Controversies
Despite her private nature, Princess Sara’s life has not been without controversy. Reports have emerged alleging instances of domestic violence within her marriage to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to sources such as The Institute for Gulf Affairs and accounts in “Saudi Bodyguard” by Mark Young, there have been claims of physical abuse. These allegations, while not officially addressed by the royal family, have drawn attention to the personal dynamics within the upper echelons of Saudi leadership.
Role within the Saudi Royal Family
As the wife of the Crown Prince, Princess Sara holds a significant, albeit understated, position within the Saudi royal family. Her role is primarily supportive, focusing on family and private endeavors rather than public engagements. This approach is consistent with traditional expectations of royal spouses in the kingdom, where discretion and family duties often take precedence over public roles.
Conclusion
Princess Sara bint Mashour Al Saud embodies the blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes contemporary Saudi Arabia. Her royal lineage connects her to the foundational figures of the kingdom, while her private nature and selective engagements reflect a personal choice to maintain discretion. Despite the limited public information, her life offers insights into the complexities and nuances of royal existence in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the balance between personal privacy and public interest that defines many members of the House of Saud.
