RIYADH — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in mourning following the death of Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal, who had been in a coma for nearly two decades. The prince, known affectionately by many as “The Sleeping Prince,” passed away on Saturday, marking the end of a prolonged and emotionally charged medical battle that had drawn national and international attention.
The announcement was made by Prince Khaled bin Talal, who confirmed the passing of his son and stated that funeral prayers will be held on Sunday at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, following Asr prayer.
A Tragic Accident Abroad
Prince Alwaleed sustained severe brain trauma in 2005 after a catastrophic car accident in London while pursuing his studies in the United Kingdom. The incident left the young royal in a persistent vegetative state, with doctors offering a grim prognosis. Despite medical assessments and repeated appeals to withdraw life support, Prince Khaled refused, holding steadfastly to his faith that recovery was in God’s hands.
“Only Allah decides the moment of death,” Prince Khaled stated publicly on several occasions.
Over the years, videos and photos showing slight movements from Prince Alwaleed—like blinking or hand twitching—went viral across social media, sparking waves of hope, prayer, and compassion across the Arab and Muslim worlds.
A Nation Watches with Hope
For nearly 20 years, Prince Alwaleed became a symbol of endurance and parental devotion. His story resonated widely, especially as his father remained a constant presence at his bedside. Prince Khaled regularly shared updates and religious reflections, invoking the power of prayer and divine will.
The story of the Sleeping Prince was not only one of medical uncertainty but of spiritual resilience, family loyalty, and the cultural value of preserving life at all costs. His situation prompted wider discussions in the region about long-term care, hope in terminal conditions, and the role of faith in modern healthcare decisions.
A Kingdom in Mourning
Following the announcement, an outpouring of grief swept across social media, with hashtags in Arabic mourning the young prince trending in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Public figures, citizens, and members of the Saudi royal family shared tributes, prayers, and memories of a life that—though silent—left a profound impact.
“He did not speak for two decades, yet his silence spoke to the soul of a nation,” wrote one mourner on X (formerly Twitter).
Final Farewell
The funeral will take place at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, one of Riyadh’s most prominent places of worship. The Asr prayer, held in the late afternoon, will be followed by the janazah (funeral prayer), where dignitaries and members of the public will likely join in honoring Prince Alwaleed’s memory.
Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal’s passing not only concludes one of the most watched medical journeys in modern Saudi history—it also leaves behind a legacy of unshakable faith, parental love, and national empathy.
