Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, known as the Sleeping Prince of Saudi Arabia, died on Saturday, July 19. He remained in a coma for nearly 20 years after a serious accident in 2005. The Royal Court confirmed his death through the Saudi Press Agency.
Funeral prayers will take place on Sunday, July 20, after Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. Senior royals, scholars, and citizens are expected to attend.
A Tragic Incident That Changed Everything
In 2005, Prince Alwaleed suffered a brain injury during a traffic accident in London. He was studying at a military college at the time. The injury led to a brain hemorrhage and immediate hospitalization. Doctors moved him to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained on life support for nearly two decades.
Despite medical advice to remove life support, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, refused. “If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now,” he once said. His belief in divine will kept him going.
A Symbol of Faith and Fatherly Love
Over the years, Prince Alwaleed showed small movements like finger twitches and slight head shifts. Although these signs did not signal recovery, they gave the family hope. His father never gave up, visiting him regularly and sharing updates with the public.
Prince Khaled’s stance drew attention and support from across the Muslim world. He believed that only God decides when life ends, and so he stood firm against ending life support.
Public Support and Emotional Farewell
News of the Sleeping Prince of Saudi Arabia’s passing touched hearts across the Kingdom. Social media flooded with condolences and prayers. Hashtags related to the prince trended online as people remembered his story.
Many saw Prince Alwaleed as a quiet symbol of patience, faith, and love. His father’s dedication turned a personal tragedy into a national story of devotion. Even though the prince never recovered, his presence impacted millions.
Final Goodbye
The prince’s funeral will bring closure to a long and emotional chapter. His family’s journey—marked by hope, struggle, and strong belief—resonated deeply with the public. Saudi Arabia now prepares to say goodbye to a young man who, though silent, became a lasting symbol of strength and faith.
