Saudi ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies at 36 After Two-Decade Coma

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al Saud fell into a coma in 2005, after a severe car crash in London caused extensive brain trauma. At just 15, he was declared to be in a persistent vegetative state.

Over the next two decades, he remained in a hospital near Riyadh, sustained by life support and constant care. Despite occasional reflex movements, full recovery remained elusive.

Faith Against the Odds

His father, Prince Khalid bin Talal, steadfastly refused calls to withdraw life support, citing deep religious faith and conviction that only God should determine his son’s fate. This unwavering hope—coupled with minor finger twitches and head movements—sustained the family’s belief and captured public attention.

A Symbol Beyond Royalty

Beyond his royal status, Prince Al-Waleed became a symbol of devotion, patience, and spiritual determination—remarkable not for power, but for silence and endurance. His prolonged condition spurred national conversations in Saudi Arabia around medical ethics, long-term patient care, and faith-led decision-making in life-and-death situations.

Final Farewell in Riyadh

His death on July 19, 2025, at age 36 was announced by his father, who shared a heartfelt message invoking religious comfort and acceptance. Additionally, funeral prayers took place at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, with dignitaries, royals, and a nation in mourning gathering to pay their respects. Family members and officials from nearby Gulf states offered collective condolences.

The Legacy He Leaves

Al-Waleed’s life speaks of more than tragedy—it embodies an enduring message: that hope, family, and faith can hold on longer than expected. Moreover, for many Saudis and observers in the Arab world, his story will be remembered as one of love’s most profound expressions—a reminder that some lives echo long after words fade, carried by the actions of those who stayed by his side.

A Story That Resonated Globally

News of the “Sleeping Prince” often made headlines across the world, not just because of his royal lineage, but because of the human element of his journey. Millions followed updates over the years, moved by videos showing him slightly moving a finger or opening his eyes. His story sparked discussions on the emotional toll of long-term coma care, the role of science vs. faith, and the boundaries of medical intervention. Moreover, even those far removed from Saudi Arabia felt a connection to the narrative, one that explored the complex terrain of hope, grief, and letting go.

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