أقسام الوصول السريع (مربع البحث)

🇸🇦 Riyadh’s Unending Vigil: The Journey of Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince“

 Introduction: A Life Frozen in Time

In the annals of modern Saudi history, few stories have resonated as deeply as that of Prince Al‑Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known widely as the “Sleeping Prince.” Born in April 1990, he was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal—a distinguished member of the royal family—and the nephew of billionaire Prince Al‑Waleed bin Talal. At just 15 years old, during his training at a military academy in London, an accident abruptly halted his promising future.

On July 19, 2025, at the age of 36, Prince Al‑Waleed passed away after nearly 20 years in a coma, marking the end of a prolonged chapter of hope, devotion, and national empathy (Wikipedia).


🇸🇦 Riyadh’s Unending Vigil: The Journey of Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince“

 The Accident That Changed Everything

In 2005, the young royal was involved in a serious car accident in London. The crash caused severe brain injury, cerebral hemorrhage, and internal bleeding—leaving him comatose at the tender age of fifteen while attending military cadet training (The Express Tribune).

He was transported back to Saudi Arabia and remained under continuous life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, with no full recovery despite international medical consultations (The Sun).


 A Father's Hope: Faith and Devotion

Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud became well-known for his unwavering faith in his son’s recovery. Despite medical advice to disconnect life support, he refused, citing belief in divine intervention:

“If Allah had wished him to die in that accident, he would have perished… but we remain hopeful.”

Over the years, the prince’s room became the site of nearly daily prayers and Quran recitations, often shared publicly by his father on social platforms. Occasional slight movements—such as finger twitches or head turns—brought renewed though fleeting hope to many (Gulf News, The Express Tribune).


 A Symbol of Enduring Faith and Patience

Prince Al‑Waleed’s case transcended the personal—it became a national symbol of unwavering devotion and hope. The hashtag #SleepingPrince trended across social media platforms. Millions offered prayers and messages of support, and well-wishers from across the Arab and Muslim world followed the decade-long vigil with deep emotional investment (Gulf News).

His hospital room, frequently visited by family and supplicants, became a spiritual refuge where many gathered to pray for the prince's recovery (Gulf News, The New Arab).


5. False Hopes and Misinformation

In mid-2025, a viral video falsely claimed that Prince Al‑Waleed had awakened from the coma. The footage was later identified as belonging to Saudi motorsport figure Yazeed Mohamed Al‑Rajhi, causing confusion and disappointment among believers and followers (www.ndtv.com).

Despite such rumors, there were no medically verified signs of a return to consciousness in the prince’s condition.


 The Final Goodbye

On July 19, 2025, Prince Khaled announced his son's passing in a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter):

“With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree... we mourn our beloved son, Prince Al‑Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.”

The funeral prayers were held on the following day at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, witnessed by dignitaries, royal family members, and thousands of mourners. Public and private condolences followed swiftly, emphasizing the resonance of the prince’s story with both national and international audiences (Gulf News, H24info).


 Medical and Ethical Perspectives

Prince Al‑Waleed’s case highlights the limits and ethical dilemmas of prolonged life support. Initially deemed irreversible, his condition remained unchanged despite best efforts. Medical experts often questioned the feasibility of recovery after two decades in a vegetative state. Yet, his father's refusal to withdraw treatment spoke to deeply held beliefs and the importance of spiritual values in healthcare decisions (The Express Tribune, www.ndtv.com, The Economic Times).

The prolonged duration of his coma drew global medical interest as one of the longest documented cases in recent memory.


 Legacy: Beyond Tragedy

The legacy of the "Sleeping Prince" extends far beyond his tragic fate. It is a story that intertwines familial love, religious devotion, and public empathy. Across Saudi Arabia and beyond, the prince's ordeal became a testament to the strength of hope and the power of compassion.

His memory lives on as a reminder of humanity's vulnerability and faith, touching hearts in a way that only the rarest stories do (The Times of India).


 Broader Reflection

Beyond the royal narrative, his story sheds light on cultural values in Arabic societies—where enduring patience, filial piety, and communal solidarity are deeply honored. The Saudi public’s response mirrored a nation’s collective identity shaped by faith and resilience in times of crisis.

In an age often defined by fleeting events, the “Sleeping Prince” narrative stood apart by its extraordinary length and depth.


 Conclusion

Prince Al‑Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud remains an emblem of enduring hope and devotion. Though life never returned to him, the legacy of his family’s steadfast love, his father’s faith, and the nation’s prayers will continue to inspire.

The passing of the “Sleeping Prince” closes a chapter marked by silent tragedy and unwavering faith—but the echoes of his story will endure in collective memory.


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