Kardam, Prince of Turnovo has passed away at the age of 52, his family have confirmed. The royal died on Tuesday, having suffered a car accident several years ago and never fully recovered.
The prince's father Simeon Borisov Saxe-Coburg-Gotha – the former Tsar of Bulgaria and prime minister – announced the tragic news on his website.
"His death was the result of a pulmonary infection, which was related to the paralysis he suffered for several years following a car accident in 2008 that he never recovered from," the statement read.
© Photo: Getty ImagesMiriam of Ungría and López was at her husband Prince Kardam's side when he passed away
Kardam, who was born in Madrid, was involved in a serious car crash on 15 August 2008, in the Spanish capital with his wife Doña Miriam of Ungría and López. Their vehicle hit a tree and then turned over.
The prince was taken by helicopter to the Doce de Octubre Hospital, while his wife was taken to the La Paz Hospital. She was treated for a broken elbow, broken ribs and a collapsed lung but was released from hospital a couple of weeks later.
Kardam, meanwhile, suffered severe brain-skull trauma and severe injuries to his hands. He had an operation the evening of the accident and three days later he was placed in an artificial coma.
© Photo: RexPrince Kardam never recovered from a serious car accident in 2008
Later that year the prince was discharged to recover at home, but in January 2010, Kardam was reported to have suffered a critical setback and was re-hospitalised. He remained in a coma until his death.
According to HELLO! Online's sister publication HOLA!, the royal had his nearest and dearest at his side when he passed away. His wife Miriam, his parents Simeon and Margarita, his brothers Kiril and Konstantin, as well as other members of the royal family were present.
It is not yet known whether Kardam's two sons Prince Boris and Prince Beltrán, aged 17 and 16 respectively, were there.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince Kardam's parents Simeon and Margarita pictured with the former king and queen of Spain
Kardam enjoyed strong relationships with other European royals. He attended high-profile weddings such as that of Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary in 2004.
He was also invited to the 40th birthday party of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in 2007, a year before his accident.
