Prince Al-Waleed, Saudi Arabia's “sleeping prince”, disappears: What left him in the 20-year-old coma? | World news

Prince al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud, who is well known in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world as a “sleeping prince”, died on Saturday, July 19, after almost two decades in a coma at the age of 36. The Royal Court announced his death by the Saudi press agency and confirmed the end of a long and deeply emotional chapter in the life of the Saudi Royal Family.Prince al-Waleed's story has resonance over the years and attracted prayers, sympathy and attention in the region. His death marks the end of an extraordinary and tragic journey that began with a life full of promises and was later defined by unshakable hope, faith and family verdict.

A life that is changed by a tragedy

Prince Al-Waleed was born in April 1990 and was the eldest son of Prince Khaled Bin Talal Al Saud and the nephew of the billionaire businessman Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal. As a young man, he was a military cadet who studied in London and was preparing for a future on duty. In 2005, at the age of only 15, his life lasted suddenly and devastating when he had a car accident in which he left a serious brain hemorrhage and internal injuries.The prince was blown back to Saudi Arabia and admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riad, where he was constantly medically medically. Despite the efforts of American and Spanish specialists, including extensive consultations with neurologists and intensive experts, he never gained full consciousness again. Over the years, Prince Al-Waleed remained in a minimal reaction-fast coma and occasionally showed involuntary movements that offered small but fleeting signs of consciousness.During his entire condition, he was kept on a ventilation device and his important functions were supported around the clock. His case aroused interest and sympathy far beyond the royal court and turned his hospital room into a quiet spiritual site. Family members and visitors, including religious personalities, gathered to recite Koran verses in the hope of a miracle. Videos that show the apparently subtle reactions of Prince al-Waleed on Koranic recitations were shared online and often became viral, which was a symbol of permanent hope and divine possibility.

Permanent hope and unshakable dedication of the family of the family

For almost 20 years, Prince Al-Waleed's father, Prince Khaled Bin Talal, remained determined in his conviction that his son would recover. His commitment was widely recognized, especially when, despite the long opportunities and the medical lawyer, he constantly refused to end life preservation measures. During the night prayers in Ramadan or during family visits to oath, Prince Khaled was seen as he called for the healing of his son with deep emotions.Over the years, he used his social media presence, especially on platform X, to exchange updates, express prayers and to ask others to join his belief and support. His words not only conveyed the pain of a father, but also the strength of faith that defined her journey over the years. Shortly before the death of his son, Prince Khaled had shared warm prayers for his recovery.On Saturday, July 19, he confirmed the death of his son with a message that reflected both his grief and his faith. He wrote on X:“With hearts full of faith in Allah's decree and fate and with profound sadness and grief we mourn for our beloved son Prince al-Waleed bin khaled bin Abdulaziz al Saud, may Allah have his grace, which has died of Allah's mercy today.”The announcement was repeated by the Royal Court and published by official channels, which made a chapter that had been pursuing many in the whole country for almost two decades.

Funeral prayers and funeral meetings

After the announcement, the royal court gave details of the funeral prayers and funeral services. The funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed will take place on Sunday, July 20, after the ASR prayer in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riad.Separate passports were arranged for men and women.

The funeral will take place for three days and over three days from Sunday to Tuesday.

These meetings are expected to bring members of the royal family, friends, dignitaries and the many people in all of Saudi Arabia together who followed the history of the sleeping prince with empathy and prayer.

FAQs:

Question: Who was Prince Al-Waleed?A Saudi king called the “sleeping prince”, who remained in a coma for almost 20 years after a crash.Question: What did his coma cause? A serious brain injury due to a 2005 car accident left him in a coma at the age of 15.Question: How long was he in a coma? He stayed in a coma for almost 20 years, from 2005 until his death in 2025.Question: Has he ever regained awareness? No, Prince Al-Waleed remained aware of minimally and never fully woke up.Question: Where and when will his funeral be held? The burial prayers begin on July 20 in the Imam Turki Mosque in Riad, with the services lasting three days.