The royal family and people of Saudi Arabia are mourning the death of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled Al Saud, widely known as the “Sleeping Prince”, who passed away at the age of 36 after spending nearly two decades in a coma.
Prince Al-Waleed, a member of the Saudi royal family, had remained in a vegetative state since 2005, following a tragic car accident in London that left him with a brain haemorrhage and severe internal injuries. Despite his critical condition, he was kept on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh until his passing was confirmed over the weekend.
The prince’s death was announced by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, in an emotional post shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son: Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away today,” wrote Prince Khaled.
Born into one of the most prominent royal families in Saudi Arabia, Prince Al-Waleed’s story captured the attention of millions both within the Kingdom and across the Arab world. Known as the “Sleeping Prince” because of his long-term coma, he became a symbol of unwavering parental devotion, medical endurance, and hope against impossible odds.
The Tragic Incident That Shocked Saudi and the Arab World
In 2005, at the age of just 15, Prince Al-Waleed was studying at a military college in London when the fatal accident occurred. He sustained critical injuries during the crash, including a serious brain injury, which doctors described as life-altering.
Despite expert medical opinions suggesting there was little to no chance of recovery, Prince Khaled and his family chose to maintain life support. Over the years, the prince’s condition remained mostly unchanged, although occasional reports surfaced of brief physical responses such as movement or blinking, giving his family glimmers of hope.
For the past 19 years, the prince was cared for in a specialized medical unit in Riyadh, where he received round-the-clock treatment. His father frequently posted updates about his condition, sharing images and videos that documented any small signs of activity.
The announcement of the prince’s death triggered an outpouring of grief on social media, with the hashtag #SleepingPrince trending throughout Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East. Condolences flooded in from citizens, celebrities, and fellow royals, many of whom had followed his story for nearly two decades.
“May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, Rest In Peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones,” one user wrote on X.
Another post read, “Your time on earth was a blessing to your family and the world in general.”
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” added a third.
Tributes emphasized the resilience of the family, especially Prince Khaled’s devotion to his son’s care, which inspired many across Saudi Arabia. Several commentators described his unwavering support as a testament to familial love and faith in divine destiny.
Funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled are scheduled to take place at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, a site often used for royal ceremonies. The Saudi royal family, government officials, and dignitaries are expected to attend, along with members of the public wishing to pay their respects.
While the loss is deeply felt by the royal household, it also marks the end of a long and emotionally intense chapter in Saudi Arabia’s recent history — one that highlighted the human aspect behind royalty and resonated with families worldwide who’ve experienced similar trials.
Though Prince Al-Waleed never regained consciousness, his story became symbolic across Saudi Arabia of both unbreakable parental love and the complexities of long-term care and medical ethics. His case was widely discussed in public discourse, especially regarding the quality of life, faith, and the hope of recovery.
Over the years, Prince Khaled used his son’s condition as a platform to advocate for advancements in neurological care and support for families facing similar challenges. His decision to keep his son on life support, despite pressure from some quarters to end treatment, sparked both debate and admiration throughout Saudi society.
The passing of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled Al Saud, affectionately known as the “Sleeping Prince,” marks a moment of reflection for many in Saudi Arabia. After 19 years of living in a coma, his life has come to a quiet end, surrounded by the family who never gave up on him.
As Saudi mourns the prince, his legacy continues — not through royal titles or official duties, but through a deeply human story of love, resilience, and unwavering hope.
Source-Punchng
