Riyadh: Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince”, passed away on Saturday after spending nearly two decades in a coma following a tragic car accident. He was 36.
Prince Alwaleed had been in a coma since 2005, when he suffered severe brain injuries and internal bleeding in a road accident while studying at a military college in London. He was just 15 at the time. Since the accident, he had remained on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh under round-the-clock medical care.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, saying:
“With hearts full of faith in Allah’s decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, we mourn our beloved son Prince Alwaleed… may Allah have mercy on him.”
The Global Imams Council also extended its condolences to the royal family and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, honouring Prince Alwaleed’s long and painful struggle.
Born in April 1990, Prince Alwaleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal and nephew to billionaire businessman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. His prolonged medical condition drew widespread public sympathy over the years.
Funeral prayers will be held on Sunday at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
