After two decades in silence, the ‘Sleeping Prince’ has said his last goodbye
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For nearly 20 years, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled Al-Saud was known around the world as the ‘Sleeping Prince’.
His extraordinary story, marked by a tragic accident and an unbroken coma, became a quiet symbol of hope and devotion.
With his recent passing at just 36, many are reflecting on the life that was, and the one that might have been.
In 2005, at just 15 years old, Prince Al-Waleed’s life took a tragic turn. While studying at a military college in London, he was involved in a devastating car accident that left him with a severe brain haemorrhage and internal bleeding.
The accident rendered him unconscious, and he never regained full awareness. From that moment, his life—and the lives of those who loved him—changed forever.
The prince was transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained in a coma for the rest of his life. Despite the bleak prognosis, his family, especially his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, refused to give up hope.
Prince Khaled became a symbol of parental devotion, steadfastly rejecting calls to withdraw life support and remaining by his son’s side through every medical challenge.
For over two decades, Prince Al-Waleed’s family clung to hope, believing in the possibility of a miracle.
His father’s public statements and social media posts often reflected a deep faith and optimism, even as the years passed.
The prince’s room was filled with the hum of medical equipment, but also with the love and prayers of his family and well-wishers from around the world.
The story of the ‘Sleeping Prince’ became a symbol of hope and resilience in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
His family’s refusal to give up, despite overwhelming odds, resonated with many who have faced similar struggles with loved ones in comas or persistent vegetative states.
News of Prince Al-Waleed’s passing was confirmed by his father in a heartfelt post on social media, quoting a verse from the Quran and expressing deep sorrow.
The announcement sparked an outpouring of condolences on social media, with the hashtag 'Sleeping Prince' trending as thousands shared their sympathies and memories.
'May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, Rest In Peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones,' wrote one mourner. Others reflected on the impact his story had on their own lives, with messages like, 'Your time on earth was a blessing to your family and the world in general,' and 'May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.'
Funeral prayers for the prince were held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, attended by family, friends, and dignitaries.
Related story: Tragic loss rocks royalty as European Prince unexpectedly dies at young age
Have you or someone you know faced a similar situation with a loved one? How did you cope with the challenges and decisions involved? Share your stories and reflections in the comments below!
His extraordinary story, marked by a tragic accident and an unbroken coma, became a quiet symbol of hope and devotion.
With his recent passing at just 36, many are reflecting on the life that was, and the one that might have been.
In 2005, at just 15 years old, Prince Al-Waleed’s life took a tragic turn. While studying at a military college in London, he was involved in a devastating car accident that left him with a severe brain haemorrhage and internal bleeding.
The accident rendered him unconscious, and he never regained full awareness. From that moment, his life—and the lives of those who loved him—changed forever.
Saudi royal Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud, known as the 'Sleeping Prince', has died at age 36 after spending more than 20 years in a coma following a car crash in London. Image source: CNN-News18 / Youtube.
The prince was transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained in a coma for the rest of his life. Despite the bleak prognosis, his family, especially his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, refused to give up hope.
Prince Khaled became a symbol of parental devotion, steadfastly rejecting calls to withdraw life support and remaining by his son’s side through every medical challenge.
For over two decades, Prince Al-Waleed’s family clung to hope, believing in the possibility of a miracle.
His father’s public statements and social media posts often reflected a deep faith and optimism, even as the years passed.
The prince’s room was filled with the hum of medical equipment, but also with the love and prayers of his family and well-wishers from around the world.
The story of the ‘Sleeping Prince’ became a symbol of hope and resilience in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
His family’s refusal to give up, despite overwhelming odds, resonated with many who have faced similar struggles with loved ones in comas or persistent vegetative states.
News of Prince Al-Waleed’s passing was confirmed by his father in a heartfelt post on social media, quoting a verse from the Quran and expressing deep sorrow.
The announcement sparked an outpouring of condolences on social media, with the hashtag 'Sleeping Prince' trending as thousands shared their sympathies and memories.
'May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, Rest In Peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones,' wrote one mourner. Others reflected on the impact his story had on their own lives, with messages like, 'Your time on earth was a blessing to your family and the world in general,' and 'May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.'
Funeral prayers for the prince were held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, attended by family, friends, and dignitaries.
Related story: Tragic loss rocks royalty as European Prince unexpectedly dies at young age
Have you or someone you know faced a similar situation with a loved one? How did you cope with the challenges and decisions involved? Share your stories and reflections in the comments below!
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Condolences to his loved ones 
