The Sleeping Prince’s story has become a symbol of hope and patience in the face of adversity, serving as an inspiration for other families facing similar circumstances.
CAIRO – 19 July 2025: Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal has passed away after spending 20 years in a coma, his father announced on Saturday.
Al-Waleed has earned the title of the “Sleeping Prince” as 20 years ago, he suffered a severe car accident in London while studying at a military college, which had left him in a coma since then.
Born in April 1990, Al-Waleed was full of promise and ambition before his life was forever altered by that fateful incident.
Prince Khalid announced the sad news, stating that funeral prayers for his son will be held on Sunday at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh for men after Al-Assr prayer, and for women at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in the capital after the Duhr prayer.
The family has arranged a three-day mourning period starting Sunday, with condolences being offered at the residence of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal in the Al-Fakhriya neighborhood for men, and at the Al-Fakhriya Palace of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz for women after the Maghrib prayer.
“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return,” Prince Khalid concluded, citing a verse from the Quran.
The passing of Prince Al-Waleed marks the end of a long and emotional chapter, as the community reflects on the enduring spirit of a young man whose life touched many hearts.
Car Accident That Changed Everything
In 2005, Al-Waleed was involved in a tragic car accident in the British capital, which led to him falling into a coma and earning the title "Sleeping Prince."
Since then, his father, Prince Khalid bin Talal, has remained by his side in an inspiring story that has moved many hearts.
The accident resulted in severe head injuries. Doctors announced he had "brain death," with a likelihood of passing away within hours to a few days.
Despite the grim medical outlook, the royal family, led by Prince Khalid bin Talal, decided against removing the medical equipment. He insisted on continuing treatment, believing that recovery was possible with Allah’s will.
A team of three American doctors and a Spanish doctor was brought in to try to stop the brain hemorrhage, but without decisive results.
His title, the "Sleeping Prince," had reflected his complex health condition that puzzled doctors. It has become associated with a story of challenge, patience, and faith, eliciting deep sympathy from Saudis and Arabs in general.
In 2007, the prince experienced a lung hemorrhage, posing a new threat to his life, but the medical team managed to control the situation.
New Hope Is Born, But …
Years later, in 2019, Princess Reema bint Talal shared a video showing the Sleeping Prince moving his head, marking his first response since the accident.
In a remarkable development after more than 15 years in a coma, the Sleeping Prince interacted with someone who greeted him, moving his fingers before raising his hand in response to the woman's request. This video sparked widespread engagement on social media, opening the door to hope for many regarding the possibility of a medical miracle.
Prince Khalid stated in media interviews that he could not withdraw the medical equipment, believing that Allah has kept his son's spirit for some time.
He emphasized in previous interviews that the decision to continue life is not in human hands but is a divine decision that must be respected.
The Saudi and Arab communities have followed Al-Waleed's story with great interest, filling social media with prayers for his recovery.
The Sleeping Prince’s story has become a symbol of hope and patience in the face of adversity, serving as an inspiration for other families facing similar circumstances.
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