NewsObituaries

Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince' Dies After 20 Years in Coma

11 months agoUS
Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince' Dies After 20 Years in ComaSource: kurdistan24.net
Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known as the 'Sleeping Prince,' has died at the age of 36 after being in a coma for 20 years following a car accident in London. This tragic event marks the end of a long period of hope and mourning for the Saudi royal family.

Key Insights

Prince Alwaleed was in a coma since 2005 following a car accident while studying at a military academy in London.

The accident resulted in a brain hemorrhage during surgery, leaving him unresponsive.

His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, refused to withdraw life support and maintained hope for his son's recovery.

Funeral prayers will be held in Riyadh, with separate services for men and women.

In 2020, there was a brief glimmer of hope when he appeared to move his hand in a video shared on social media.

Why this matters: The death of Prince Alwaleed brings closure to a long-standing vigil and highlights the challenges faced by families dealing with long-term comatose patients. It also underscores the deep cultural and religious traditions observed during times of mourning in Saudi Arabia.

In-Depth Analysis

Prince Alwaleed's condition garnered international attention due to his family's prominence and their unwavering hope for his recovery. The 'Sleeping Prince' moniker reflected the prolonged state of unconsciousness he endured.

The accident occurred while he was studying at a military academy in London. Despite medical interventions and expert consultations, he remained in a coma for two decades. His father's dedication to his son's care was widely noted, as he refused to give up hope and continued to seek potential signs of recovery.

The funeral arrangements reflect Saudi traditions, with separate prayer services for men and women. Condolences will be received over three days at Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Palace in the Al-Fakhriyah district.

The brief moment of hope in 2020, when he appeared to move his hand, sparked renewed interest in his condition. However, no further improvements were reported, and his passing was confirmed on July 19, 2025.

FAQs

Q: Who was Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled?

He was a Saudi royal known as the 'Sleeping Prince,' who remained in a coma for 20 years following a car accident in 2005.

Q: What caused his coma?

He suffered a brain hemorrhage after a traumatic brain injury during a car accident while studying in London.

Q: Where and when were the funeral services held?

The funeral prayer for men was held at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh on July 20, after the Asr prayer. Women’s prayers were held at King Faisal Specialist Hospital after Dhuhr.

Q: Where were condolences received?

Condolences were received at Prince Alwaleed’s palace in Al-Fakhriyah for men and at Al-Fakhriyah Palace for women, from Sunday through Tuesday.

Key Takeaways

Prince Alwaleed's passing marks the end of a 20-year vigil.

The family's dedication highlights the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

The funeral arrangements reflect Saudi cultural and religious traditions.

The case underscores the challenges and complexities of long-term coma care.

Discussion

Do you think medical advancements will change long-term coma care in the future? Let us know!

Share this article with others who need to stay informed about this story!

Related Articles

⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer