Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” passed away at the age of 36, his family announced on Saturday.
The prince had been in a coma for nearly two decades following a devastating car accident in 2005 while studying at a military college in London.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, confirmed the news on X, expressing profound sorrow and stating, “With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, we mourn our beloved son.”
Prince Al-Waleed, a great-grandson of Saudi Arabia’s founder King Abdulaziz, became a symbol of hope and resilience for many. Despite medical advice in 2015 to end life support, his father refused, holding onto faith in a potential recovery.
“If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now,” Prince Khaled had said.
The prince, cared for at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, showed minor signs of movement in 2019, such as lifting a finger, but never regained consciousness.
The announcement of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media, with many in the Arab world sharing prayers and condolences.
His funeral is scheduled for Sunday in Riyadh.
