Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — After two decades in a coma that captured the attention and sympathy of millions across the Arab world and beyond, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud, often referred to as “The Sleeping Prince,” has passed away, his family confirmed late Sunday.
The young royal, who had been in a persistent vegetative state since a tragic traffic accident in 2005, became a symbol of both medical endurance and emotional devotion, as his family never gave up hope that he would recover.
A Death That Ends a 20-Year Vigil
Prince Al-Waleed’s condition stemmed from a severe brain injury sustained in a high-speed car crash while he was studying in the UK. Despite doctors’ assessments that he was unlikely to regain consciousness, his father, Prince Khalid bin Talal, famously refused to remove him from life support, believing that “life and death are in God’s hands.”
Throughout the years, Prince Khalid regularly posted updates, videos, and photos of his son, sparking prayers and emotional responses from across the Muslim world. One video that went viral in 2021 showed the prince seemingly moving his fingers in response to his father's voice, giving brief, fragile hope of a recovery.
But on July 20, after 20 years of unbroken silence, the Sleeping Prince took his final breath.
The Final Image — A Nation Stunned
Shortly after the announcement of his death, a final photo of the prince lying in his hospital bed, draped in white and surrounded by grieving relatives, was shared online by close family sources. The image, raw and heartbreaking, quickly circulated across social media, with hashtags like #SleepingPrince, #PrinceAlWaleed, and #RestInPeace trending across the Middle East.
“This image… it breaks your heart. You can feel the pain of 20 years in one frame,” one Twitter user wrote.
“He never spoke, but his silence changed us all,” another commented.
A Symbol of Faith and Perseverance
Though Prince Al-Waleed never awoke, his story became a deeply spiritual journey for many. His father's unyielding commitment, the family's endless care, and the millions who prayed for a miracle all helped turn the Sleeping Prince into a symbol of unwavering faith, patience, and familial love.
Religious leaders and royals across the region have offered their condolences. Funeral prayers are expected to be held in Riyadh later this week, with many anticipating a large turnout to honor the long-suffering prince.
Legacy Beyond Silence
In death, as in life, Prince Al-Waleed continues to evoke powerful emotions. His two-decade journey — silent, motionless, but never forgotten — reminds many of the fragility of life, the unpredictability of fate, and the strength of those who wait, even when all seems lost.