Sleeping Prince of Saudi Arabia dies after nearly 2 decades in coma.
Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, known as the “Sleeping Prince”, died on Saturday, July 19, as announced by the Royal Court via the Saudi Press Agency.
Funeral prayers for the prince will take place on Sunday, July 20, following the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
Prince Alwaleed had been in a coma for nearly two decades due to a severe brain injury sustained in a traffic accident in 2005.
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The incident occurred while he was studying at a military college in London, where he suffered a brain haemorrhage, leading to his prolonged hospitalization at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh.
Despite medical recommendations to discontinue life support, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, remained resolute in his decision to keep him on life support, holding onto the hope of a potential recovery.
“If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now,” Prince Khaled expressed, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his son’s care.
In the years following the accident, Prince Alwaleed exhibited occasional signs of movement, such as finger lifts and head movements, but these gestures did not indicate a return to full consciousness.
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During this time, his father, Prince Khaled, steadfastly opposed the idea of removing life support, maintaining a strong belief that the power of life and death lies with God.
The prince’s condition garnered widespread sympathy throughout the Kingdom and beyond, with millions following his story closely over the years.
Prince Alwaleed’s long medical battle concluded with the announcement of his passing on Saturday, marking the end of a chapter that resonated deeply with many.
