Saudi royal Sleeping Prince dies, ending a poignant chapter that spanned two decades. Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, widely known as the Sleeping Prince, passed away at the age of 36 after remaining in a coma for 20 years. His tragic state began in 2005 after a devastating car accident in London left him with a critical brain haemorrhage. Since then, the Sleeping Prince had remained in a vegetative state, drawing emotional support and public prayers from across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
The Sleeping Prince was only 15 at the time of the accident. A student at a military college, he had a bright future ahead before the incident abruptly altered the course of his life. Following the accident, he was flown to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he was kept on a ventilator under constant medical supervision. Despite consulting numerous specialists over the years, the Sleeping Prince never regained consciousness.
On Saturday, his family officially confirmed his passing through social media. His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, shared a heartfelt Quranic verse: “O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]. Enter among My [righteous] servants and enter My Paradise.” The announcement was met with a wave of grief and condolences from people who had followed the story of the Sleeping Prince with compassion for years.
“With hearts that believe in God’s will and decree, and with deep sadness and sorrow, we mourn our beloved son, Prince Al-Waleed Bin Khaled Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud,” the prince’s father wrote. The Sleeping Prince dies at a time when many still held hope for a miraculous recovery. Funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, followed by mourning gatherings over three days.
The Sleeping Prince dies after spending years in a medical facility with unwavering support from his family, who frequently updated the public on his condition. Their hope, patience, and care became symbolic of strength and familial devotion. Social media often kept his memory alive, sharing videos and photos that drew public attention. One such video in April this year falsely claimed that the Sleeping Prince had woken up. Though widely circulated, it was later debunked, reaffirming that he remained unconscious.
As the Sleeping Prince dies, Saudi Arabia remembers not only the tragedy but also the enduring love his family showed throughout his long condition. His story deeply resonated with many, becoming a symbol of hope, faith, and the fragility of life. His passing has evoked nationwide mourning, marking the close of a long vigil that spanned a generation.
