SRINAGAR: Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as the ‘Sleeping Prince’, passed away at the age of 36 after remaining in a coma for nearly two decades. The Saudi Royal Court confirmed the news on Sunday, ending a prolonged story of hope and devotion that had drawn global attention.
Prince Al-Waleed slipped into a coma in 2005 following a car accident while studying at a military college in London. The accident resulted in critical brain injuries and internal bleeding, leaving him in a non-responsive state. Despite receiving treatment from specialists in the United States, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, the prince only showed rare, minimal signs of physical response during his 19-year-long coma.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, remained committed to his son’s care throughout the ordeal, consistently rejecting calls to withdraw life support. He often said the decision rested with God alone. Videos of the prince responding faintly to voices or Quranic recitation occasionally surfaced online, drawing widespread sympathy and sparking renewed hope.
Prince Khaled confirmed his son’s passing in an emotional post on social media, writing, “With hearts full of faith in Allah’s decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, we mourn our beloved son.”
Funeral prayers were held on Sunday at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh for men, and at King Faisal Specialist Hospital for women. The royal palace opened its doors to mourners for three days.
Social media was flooded with tributes under the hashtag #SleepingPrince as thousands expressed condolences, remembering Prince Al-Waleed as a symbol of faith and perseverance.
Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud and the nephew of billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. His prolonged medical condition had become a symbol of enduring parental devotion and collective hope across the Arab world.
