Saudi ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies After 20 Years in Coma
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled passes at 36, two decades after tragic London accident
By Abdullahi Yusuf
A Saudi royal, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, has died at the age of 36 after spending 20 years in a coma following a devastating car crash in London.
The prince, fondly called the “Sleeping Prince,” was just 15 years old and studying as a military cadet in the UK when he sustained severe brain injuries and internal bleeding from the accident. Despite receiving urgent medical attention, he never regained full consciousness and was kept on life support for over two decades.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, announced his passing on social media on Saturday with heartfelt prayers: “With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son… May Allah have mercy on him.”
The young royal spent much of his life in King Abdulaziz Medical City, where his family frequently visited, offering prayers and hope for his recovery. His hospital room became a place of reflection for visitors, even as faint signs of movement occasionally sparked hopes of improvement.
Funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, where dignitaries and members of the royal family are expected to attend.
Tributes and condolences have poured in across social media following the announcement, with many Saudis remembering the prince’s long struggle as a symbol of faith and perseverance.
FAQs:
1. Who was Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled?
He was a Saudi royal known as the “Sleeping Prince”, who remained in a coma for 20 years following a car accident in 2005.
2. What caused his coma?
He suffered a brain hemorrhage after a traumatic brain injury during a car accident while studying in London.
3. Where and when will the funeral be held?
The funeral prayer for men will take place at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh on July 20, after the Asr prayer. Women’s prayers will be held at King Faisal Specialist Hospital after Dhuhr.
4. Where will condolences be received?
Condolences will be received at Prince Alwaleed’s palace in Al-Fakhriyah and at Al-Fakhriyah Palace for women, from Sunday through Tuesday.
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