Saudi Arabia Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled Passes at 36 After Two Decades in Coma

Saudi Arabian Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known affectionately as the "Sleeping Prince," passed away at the age of 36, after spending two decades in a coma following a devastating car accident. The prince, the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, suffered severe brain trauma and internal bleeding in 2005, in an accident while attending a military college in London.

For twenty years, Prince Al-Waleed remained in a coma at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, with allegations of minor responses, like the occasional movement of fingers, which provided his family moments of fleeting hope, but he never regained full consciousness. Despite extensive medical consultations, including input from American and Spanish specialists, his condition showed no significant improvement. His father, Prince Khaled, steadfastly refused to withdraw life support, holding firm to his faith in divine healing, and sharing his unwavering hope with millions via social media over the years.

The heartwarming yet heartbreaking story of the prince drew international attention and sympathy, becoming a symbol of endurance, paternal devotion, and the mysterious interplay between life and death. On Saturday, July 19, Prince Khaled announced his son’s death at a specialized medical facility in Saudi Arabia, expressing deep sorrow yet acceptance of Allah's will and decree.

Prince Al-Waleed's passing evoked widespread condolences, both online under the trending hashtag "Sleeping Prince" (SleepingPrince) and throughout the broader community. Many offered their prayers and remembered him for the silent struggle that marked his life. His hospital room, often filled with visiting family and supporters, remained a focal point of prayer and reflection throughout his prolonged medical ordeal.

Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was named after his uncle, the billionaire business magnate Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. Although not a direct descendant of the current Saudi king, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, he was part of a well-known and influential branch of the royal family.

Funeral services for the prince were planned to take place on Sunday, July 20, at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, signaling the end of a challenging journey for the royal family and the prince who inspired global empathy over an extraordinary medical condition. The family's remarks at this time echoed their steadfast faith and enduring hopes for their son, underpinning a journey marked by persistent love and faith in divine possibilities for healing.