‘Sleeping Prince’ of Saudi Arabia No More – In Coma for 20 Years

Riyadh (The Uttam Hindu): Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud, popularly known as the 'Sleeping Prince' of Saudi Arabia, died at the age of 36. He was in a coma for nearly two decades. Prince Al-Waleed's family confirmed his death on Sunday.

Prince Al-Waleed's father, Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz, posted on social media: "With full faith in Allah's will and destiny and with deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of our beloved son Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. May Allah have mercy on him." The family has announced that funeral prayers will be held after Asr prayers at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh on Sunday.

Prince Al-Waleed went into a coma after a car accident in 2005. He was only 15 years old at the time of the accident. Prince Al-Waleed suffered a brain hemorrhage, after which he was brought back to Saudi Arabia. Here he was admitted to King Abdul Aziz Medical City in Riyadh.

Despite extensive medical efforts, including treatment from specialists in the US and Spain, the prince never fully regained consciousness. Prince Al-Waleed remained in a vegetative state for nearly 20 years. During this time he was dependent on a ventilator and life support.

The father, Prince Khalid bin Talal, stood firm in his decision to keep his son alive. He rejected suggestions to remove the life support system. The father's presence at his son's bedside for years created a deep emotional bond with people. Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khalid bin Talal, a prominent member of the Saudi royal family.