Saudi Arabia's "Sleeping Prince" Dies After 20 Years In Coma

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s "Sleeping Prince," has passed away at 35, his family confirmed on Saturday, July 19. His death marks the poignant end of a nearly two-decade-long coma, a story that has deeply touched the nation.

The Prince's father, Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, announced the news on social media, expressing profound sadness: "With hearts full of faith in Allah’s decree and destiny... we mourn our beloved son Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud." Funeral prayers are scheduled for today, after the Asr prayer at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.

Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was just 15 when a severe car accident in London in 2005 caused a devastating brain haemorrhage, plunging him into a coma. He was later transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. Despite extensive medical efforts, including care from international specialists, he remained in a vegetative state, relying on a ventilator and life support for almost twenty years. His father's unwavering decision to continue life support, year after year, became a powerful symbol of parental love and hope against seemingly insurmountable odds, resonating deeply across the Kingdom and beyond.