Who was Prince Al-Waleed, and why was he known as Saudi Arabia's sleeping prince?
Medical experts early on concluded that he would never return to a conscious state. Yet his father refused to give up.Prince Khaled bin Talal stood by his son every step of the way. Faced with difficult decisions, he chose to fight for his son's life, believing firmly that life and death were not for humans to decide.He refused repeated advice to end life support. Instead, he placed his trust in divine intervention.In a public post on X (formerly Twitter), Prince Khaled announced his son's passing, writing, "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." — allah_cure_dede (@allah_cure_dede) For nearly two decades, his son's hospital room became a place of prayer. Visitors included religious figures, well-wishers, and thousands who saw in the prince's story something larger than tragedy — a powerful example of hope and human endurance.As the years went by, the public gave him a name: the 'Sleeping Prince'.The phrase captured the frozen nature of his life — a young royal who entered a coma at 15 and stayed there until his death at 36. He was a symbol of suspended time, a reminder of fragility, and a story that millions followed from afar.Viral videos over the years sparked speculation, with some suggesting he had woken up. One recent clip falsely claimed to show the prince reunited with family, but it was later revealed to feature Saudi billionaire Yazeed Mohamed Al-Rajhi. The rumours were common. The reality stayed the same.He never woke.His death on 19 July was confirmed by the Saudi Royal Court through the state news agency.
The Global Imams Council issued its condolences, saying, "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 a tragic accident." Social media flooded with tributes under the hashtag #SleepingPrince. Messages came in from across the Arab world."May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, Rest In Peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones," one user posted."Your time on earth was a blessing to your family and the world in general," said another.Funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed were held on Sunday, 20 July, at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, following the Asr prayer.For women, prayers were held at King Faisal Specialist Hospital after the Dhuhr prayer.The family is receiving condolences from 20 to 22 July.Prince Al-Waleed's story is not one of a life lived fully, but of a life that never got the chance. His 20 years in a coma became a national memory — not because of what he did, but because of what he endured, and what his family stood for.His father's quiet defiance against letting go, his refusal to pull the plug, and his belief that healing could come from above, left a lasting impression on the public.In the end, the Sleeping Prince became a symbol of patience, prayer and the long weight of hope.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Is soaking almonds beneficial? Know its benefits and potential drawbacks
Almonds are a nutritious and delicious snack enjoyed worldwide, known for their rich content of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Many people soak almonds overnight before eating them, believing this process enhances their health benefits and makes them easier to digest. But is soaking almonds truly beneficial, or is it just a traditional habit passed down through generations? Soaking almonds is said to reduce anti-nutrients like phytic acid, which can interfere with mineral absorption. Additionally, soaked almonds tend to be softer and gentler on the stomach, making them easier to chew and digest for some people. However, the overall impact on nutrition may vary depending on individual health needs and preferences. The benefits of soaking almonds Soaking almonds can have several benefits, including: 1. Boosts brain function Soaked almonds are rich in riboflavin and L-carnitine, nutrients that support healthy brain function and may help prevent age-related cognitive decline. 2. Supports heart health Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, which help to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol). They also contain potassium and magnesium, which support blood pressure control and overall cardiovascular health. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 3. Regulates blood sugar levels The fiber and healthy fats in soaked almonds can contribute to stabilizing blood sugar levels. Including soaked almonds as a part of a balanced diet may be particularly helpful for individuals managing diabetes or insulin resistance. 4. Promotes glowing skin Thanks to their high vitamin E and antioxidant content, soaked almonds help protect the skin from oxidative stress and sun damage. They also aid in collagen production, which keeps the skin supple and youthful. 5. Strengthens bones and teeth Almonds are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus—minerals essential for bone density and tooth health. Consuming them daily can help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, especially when paired with vitamin D. 6. Enhances digestive health Soaking almonds activates beneficial enzymes that aid in digestion, making almonds easier on the stomach. 7. Increases nutrient absorption Soaking almonds reduces phytic acid, an anti-nutrient that can hinder mineral absorption. This process enhances the bioavailability of nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and B vitamins. 8. Aids in weight management Soaked almonds can be easier to chew and consume, promoting mindful eating. Additionally, the fiber content in almonds may contribute to a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management when included in a balanced diet. 9. Supports immune function Almonds contribute to a more alkaline internal environment, which supports immune function. Their vitamin E and antioxidant content also protect cells from oxidative stress. 10. Natural detoxification Soaked almonds are rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, which help neutralize free radicals and support liver function. This aids in the natural detoxification processes of the body, helping flush out toxins and promoting better overall health The drawbacks of soaking almonds While soaking almonds can have several benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. These include: Loss of nutrients: Soaking almonds can lead to a loss of water-soluble nutrients like vitamin B and vitamin C. Texture and taste: Soaking almonds can affect their texture and taste, making them less crunchy and flavourful. Also read | Do flax seeds help with weight loss? Know its benefits and tips to use
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Australia to reduce US beef import restrictions denounced by Trump as ban
Melbourne, Jul 24 (AP) Australia will reduce restrictions on US beef imports after US President Donald Trump criticised what he described as an Australian ban on the meat, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said. Collins said Thursday that relaxing the restrictions designed to keep Australia free of mad cow disease, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE, among its cattle herds would not compromise biosecurity. 'Australia stands for open and free trade — our cattle industry has significantly benefited from this," Collins said in a statement. Australia has allowed imports of beef grown in the United States since 2019. But Australia has not allowed imports from the US of beef sourced from Canada or Mexico because of the disease risk. But the US has recently introduced additional movement controls that identify and trace all cattle from Mexico and Canada to their farms of origin. US cattle import controls satisfy Australian authorities Australian authorities were 'satisfied the strengthened control measures put in place by the US effectively manage biosecurity risks," Collins said. 'Australia bans — and they're wonderful people, and wonderful everything — but they ban American beef," Trump told reporters then. 'Yet we imported USD 3 billion of Australian beef from them just last year alone. They won't take any of our beef. They don't want it because they don't want it to affect their farmers and, you know, I don't blame them, but we're doing the same thing right now," Trump added. Lawmaker fears appeasing Trump endangers Australian cattle industry Opposition lawmaker David Littleproud suspected the government was endangering Australia's cattle industry to appease Trump. 'I want to see the science and it should be predicated on science. I'm suspicious of the speed at which this has been done," Littleproud told reporters. 'We need to give confidence to the industry, but also to you (the public): this is not just about animal welfare, this is about human welfare, this is about BSE potentially coming into this country and having a human impact, so I think it's important the government's very transparent about the science and I don't think it's even beyond the question to have an independent panel review that science to give confidence to everybody," he added. Around 70 per cent of Australian beef is exported. Producers fear that export market would vanish overnight if diseases including mad cow or foot-and-mouth disease infected Australian cattle. Will Evans, chief executive of Cattle Australia who represents more than 52,000 grass-fed beef producers across the nation, said he was confident the agriculture department had taken a cautious approach toward US imports. 'The department's undertaken a technical scientific assessment and we have to put faith in them. They've made this assessment themselves. They've said: 'We've looked at this, we've looked at the best science, this is a decision that we feel comfortable with,'" Evans told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. 'When you have a 75 billion (Australian dollar, USD 50 billion) industry relying on them not making this mistake, I'm sure they've been very cautious in their decision-making," he added. US beef prices rise because of drought and a domestic cattle shortage Beef prices have been rising in the US due to factors that include drought and shrinking domestic herd numbers. The average price of a pound of ground beef in the US rose to USD 6.12 in June, up nearly 12 per cent from a year ago, according to US government data. The average price of all uncooked beef steaks rose 8 per cent to USD 11.49 per pound. Australia's opposition to any US tariffs will be high on the agenda when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secures his first face-to-face meeting with Trump. Albanese and Trump were to hold a one-on-one meeting on the sidelines of a Group of Seven summit in Canada last month, but the US president left early. top videos View all Albanese expects the pair will meet this year, although no date has been announced. The two countries have had a bilateral free trade deal for 20 years and the US has maintained a trade surplus with Australia for decades. (AP) GRS GRS (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
US-funded contraceptives being burned in France: Birth control pills, implants worth $10 million to be destroyed; Trump rejects offer to give supply to poor nations
(AI generated image for representation) Nearly $10 million worth of US-funded contraceptives intended for women in developing countries will be destroyed in France. This comes after the US government rejected multiple offers to repurpose the unused stockpile. Supplies left unused after Trump's foreign aid freeze The contraceptives, including intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants and pills, have been sitting unused in a warehouse in Geel, Belgium, for months. This followed US President Donald Trump's decision in January to halt foreign aid programmes and shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The decision left large quantities of reproductive health supplies without a destination. Several aid groups and UN agencies reportedly offered to buy or take the supplies to help women in poorer countries. However, the US government turned down these requests, and the contraceptives will now be incinerated at a medical waste facility in France. The destruction will cost American taxpayers an estimated $160,000, reports news agency Reuters. A ccording to an internal stock list seen by Reuters, the unused contraceptives have expiry dates between April 2027 and September 2031, meaning they were not close to expiry. Offers to repurpose rejected by Washington The united nations population fund (UNFPA) and other international organisations reportedly tried to purchase or redirect the stockpile, but Washington refused. Sarah Shaw, an advocacy director at MSI Reproductive Choices, said her group offered to repack and ship the contraceptives. But the offer was declined. 'We were told that the US government would only sell the supplies at full market value,' Shaw was quoted as saying to Reuters. 'This is clearly not about saving money. It feels more like an ideological assault on reproductive rights.' She added that the decision could increase the number of unsafe abortions in sub-Saharan Africa, where USAID supplies are a major source of contraceptives. Belgium confirms talks with US, no outcome Belgium's foreign ministry confirmed it had been in talks with the US to find a solution but no agreement was reached. 'Despite these efforts, and with full respect for our partners, no viable alternative could be secured,' a spokesperson was quoted as saying to Reuters. 'Belgium continues to actively seek solutions to avoid this regrettable outcome.' The ministry also said that sexual and reproductive health 'must not be subject to ideological constraints'. A source said Washington was worried the contraceptives might reach organisations linked to abortion services, which would violate funding rules introduced during Trump's presidency. The USAID logo on the supplies made the US government even more unwilling to allow redistribution. Lawmakers step in too late Some US lawmakers have introduced bills this month to prevent the incineration of the supplies. However, aid groups say the legislation may not be passed in time. An internal memo from USAID in April acknowledged the situation and recommended transferring the supplies 'immediately to another entity to prevent waste or additional costs.' That advice was never acted upon.
