Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Dies After 20 Years in a Coma
The prince sustained severe injuries in a car accident in 2005 while attending a military academy in London.
The crash caused a major brain hemorrhage and serious internal damage.
He was transferred to Saudi Arabia for treatment and remained in a vegetative state at the King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh until his death.
Throughout the 20-year period, his condition did not significantly improve. His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, consistently opposed withdrawing life support, citing religious convictions.
Occasional physical reflexes were documented over the years but did not lead to recovery. The case attracted widespread attention in Saudi Arabia and across the region, particularly on social media, where the nickname 'Sleeping Prince' became widely used.
Posts calling for prayers circulated regularly, especially through Prince Khaled's personal updates.
The official announcement of Prince Al-Waleed's death was made by his family.
Funeral prayers were held on Sunday at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Grand Mosque in Riyadh.
Several members of the royal family and government officials attended.
Female family members held separate prayers at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital. Public condolences were received at the Al-Fakhriyah palace over a period of three days.
Prince Al-Waleed's case drew attention for its duration as well as for the broader national and religious discussions it generated regarding long-term care, medical ethics, and the role of faith in end-of-life decisions.
His death brings closure to a high-profile case that remained in the public eye for nearly 20 years. Tags: prince al waleedprince saudi arabiaSaudi Arabia
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Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a member of the Saudi royal family who spent nearly two decades in a coma, died on Saturday in Riyadh. He was 36. The prince sustained severe injuries in a car accident in 2005 while attending a military academy in London. The crash caused a major brain hemorrhage and serious internal damage. He was transferred to Saudi Arabia for treatment and remained in a vegetative state at the King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh until his death. Throughout the 20-year period, his condition did not significantly improve. His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, consistently opposed withdrawing life support, citing religious convictions. Occasional physical reflexes were documented over the years but did not lead to recovery. The case attracted widespread attention in Saudi Arabia and across the region, particularly on social media, where the nickname 'Sleeping Prince' became widely used. Posts calling for prayers circulated regularly, especially through Prince Khaled's personal updates. The official announcement of Prince Al-Waleed's death was made by his family. Funeral prayers were held on Sunday at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Grand Mosque in Riyadh. Several members of the royal family and government officials attended. Female family members held separate prayers at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital. Public condolences were received at the Al-Fakhriyah palace over a period of three days. Prince Al-Waleed's case drew attention for its duration as well as for the broader national and religious discussions it generated regarding long-term care, medical ethics, and the role of faith in end-of-life decisions. His death brings closure to a high-profile case that remained in the public eye for nearly 20 years. Tags: prince al waleedprince saudi arabiaSaudi Arabia
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