A Saudi royal who became known as the ‘Sleeping Prince’ as he spent 20 years in a coma has died aged 36.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud suffered a brain haemorrhage aged just 15 when he was involved in a car crash in London.
Announcing the news of his death in a post on X, his father Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abudalaziz said: ‘With hearts full of faith in Allah’s decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, we mourn our beloved son Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away to Allah’s mercy today.’
Following his tragic accident while studying at military school in 2005, Prince Al Waheed was transferred to the King Abdulaziz Medical City in the Saudi capital Riyadh.
Despite the efforts of several specialists brought in to aid the prince’s recovery, he remained on a ventilator and never regained consciousness.
His father played an active role in his treatment, fighting for his son’s life and consistently refusing withdrawal his life support, including defying doctors’ advice to let nature take its course back in 2015.
Some brief hope was ignited after the prince was observed making minor movements, including raising his fingers and tilting his head, but his condition did not improve.
Prince Al Waheed is a great-grandson of King Abdulaziz or Ibn Saud, the founder and first monarch of Saudi Arabia.
He is also the nephew of billionaire tycoon Al Waheed bin Talal Al Saud and the current regnant, King Salman, is his great uncle.
Prince Al Waheed’s funeral prayers will take place on Sunday afternoon at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque for men, while the women’s service will be held at King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
Men and women will also be able to pay their respects at the Al-Fakhariya Palace from Sunday to Tuesday.
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The Global Imams Council extended its condolences to the prince.
In a statement posted on X, it said: ‘The Global Imams Council extends its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to… His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the esteemed Royal Family, on the passing of Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who passed away after a long struggle that lasted nearly twenty years following.
‘As we share the grief of the Royal Family on this solemn occasion, we recall with deep respect the patience and steadfastness demonstrated by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, and his family a testament to their profound faith in the will and decree of Allah.’
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