The Saudi royal Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud, often referred to as the “Sleeping Prince,” passed away at the age of 36, over 20 years after being put in a coma following a vehicle accident.
In 2005, the prince was just 15 years old when he was involved in a terrible vehicle accident in London that left him with internal bleeding and a brain haemorrhage.
He was maintained on life support in King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, until his passing and never fully recovered.
In a post on X on Saturday, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, announced the death.
“With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, 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 today,” the post read.
At the time of the disaster, Prince Al-Waleed was attending a military academy in London.
His father stayed committed to his care and repeatedly refused requests to remove life support, believing that his son would eventually recover, even though the prognosis was dire.
Social media has been flooded with condolences following the news of his passing, with the hashtag “Sleeping Prince” trending extensively.
“May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, Rest In Peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones,” one user wrote.
Another post read, “Your time on earth was a blessing to your family and the world in general.”
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” added a third.
Funeral prayers for the late prince are scheduled to take place at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
