Kenya, July 20 -- Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as the "Sleeping Prince," has passed away at age 36 after spending nearly 20 years in a coma following a tragic car accident in 2005.

His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, announced the death on X, expressing profound sorrow and faith in divine will, stating, "O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]."

The Saudi royal's passing, confirmed by the Royal Court, has sparked an outpouring of grief across the Arab world, with funeral prayers held at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh on Sunday, July 20.

The story of Prince Al-Waleed, a great-grandson of Saudi Arabia's founder King Abdulaziz, began with promise but was altered by a devastating car crash in London while he was studying at a military college at age 15.

The accident caused severe brain injuries and internal bleeding, leaving him in a vegetative state.

Despite urgent medical care and consultations with American and Spanish specialists, he never regained full consciousness, remaining on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh.

His father's unwavering hope, rooted in spiritual conviction, led him to reject medical advice in 2015 to withdraw life support, believing, "If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now."

Over two decades, Prince Al-Waleed became a symbol of patience and faith in Saudi Arabia. His family, including his mother, Princess Reema, and brothers Saud and Mohammed, maintained constant care, sharing updates on social platforms that garnered millions of views.

A 2019 video showing the prince slightly moving his head or lifting a finger sparked hope, though medical experts clarified these were involuntary responses, not signs of recovery.

False claims of him waking, such as a viral 2025 video misidentifying rally driver Yazeed Mohamed Al-Rajhi, were debunked, underscoring the public's emotional investment in his story.

Prince Khaled's social media posts, often accompanied by Quranic verses, turned Al-Waleed's hospital room into a spiritual hub, drawing visitors who prayed for a miracle.

His father's posts, including one on April 21, 2025, reaffirmed his belief in divine healing, urging sceptics to reflect on their faith. The prince's condition resonated globally, with netizens sharing tributes reflecting widespread sympathy.

His passing, announced on July 19, prompted condolences from across the Middle East, highlighting his role as a figure of endurance and familial devotion.

The "Sleeping Prince" saga also raised questions about long-term coma care and medical ethics. Neurologists, like Dr. Al-Mansoori, noted that rare movements in such patients suggest minimal brain function but rarely lead to recovery, yet the family's hope persisted.

The emotional weight of Al-Waleed's story transcended wealth, as his billionaire father's resources could not reverse the tragedy.

Public discourse debated the ethics of prolonged life support, with some questioning its humanity, while others admired the family's resilience.

Al-Waleed's death marks the end of a 20-year journey that captivated Saudi Arabia and beyond.

His funeral, followed by a three-day mourning period, saw tributes from royals and citizens alike, with many praising Prince Khaled's dedication.

The prince's legacy, tied to his family's faith and the nation's prayers, shows the intersection of hope, loss, and spirituality.

As Saudi Arabia navigates modernisation, Al-Waleed's story remains a poignant reminder of life's fragility, even for royalty. Google Trends shows rising searches for "Sleeping Prince Al-Waleed death" and "Saudi royal coma", reflecting global interest in this heartrending chapter.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.