Riyadh | Saudi Arabia | UAE
Who Was the Sleeping Prince ?
Prince Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud, affectionately known as the “Sleeping Prince,” was a beloved member of the Saudi royal family.
His story touched hearts around the world after he fell into a coma following a tragic car accident in 2005.
He remained unconscious for nearly two decades, but his family never gave up hope for his recovery.
What happened in 2005?
In 2005, when Prince Waleed was just beginning his youth, he suffered severe brain damage in a car accident in Saudi Arabia. The trauma caused him to go into a persistent vegetative state where his cognitive abilities were lost, but he still had a sleep-wake cycle and was able to breathe on his own.
Doctors were pessimistic about his chances of recovery. Still, his family, especially his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, persisted in believing that one day their son would wake up. They made the heartbreaking decision to keep him on life support for twenty years in the hope of a miracle.
Why Was He Called the “Sleeping Prince” ?
The nickname “Sleeping Prince” was coined due to his long stay in a coma and his calm demeanor in photos and videos. The name soon spread throughout the Arab world and beyond.
He became a beacon of hope, faith and love, especially for families whose loved ones are facing similar medical challenges.
Social media played a vital role in keeping her story alive. Heartwarming photos and videos of her father visiting her, praying with her, and lovingly interacting with her touched the hearts of millions.
Medical Condition Explained
Prince Waleed has been officially diagnosed with Persistent Vegetative State (PVS). This means:
• He was alive but completely unconscious and had no idea of what was happening around him.
Though he did not show any significant response, there were occasional small movements, which brought a ray of hope.
He required round-the-clock medical care, including tube feeding, respiratory support, and measures to prevent infection.
In 2019, a viral video showed a slight movement of Prince’s hand, sparking a wave of hope. Although doctors did not confirm it as a sign of recovery, it gave millions hope that one day he would wake up.
His Death : Today July 19, 2025
After enduring his illness for two decades, Prince Waleed tragically passed away on July 19, 2025. His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, saying his son’s soul has returned to his creator.
Although the exact cause of death has not been made public, many believe it was due to long-term complications related to the coma, including :
– Organ failure
– Recurring infections
– Weakened immunity
• The funeral prayer (Janaza) is scheduled for July 20, 2025, and it is expected that thousands of people will gather to pay their tributes both in person and online.
Global Reactions: Why the World Cared
From Saudi Arabia to India, and across the world to the United States, the story of the Sleeping Prince made a deep impression, transcending borders and touching the lives of countless people. Social media was flooded with emotional tributes, condolences and prayers.
“After 20 years of sleep, he finally wakes up in heaven.”
“A story of patience, hope and love may Allah reward him and his family.”
” His father’s devotion was more than royal it was purely humanitarian.”
Her journey became a symbol of hope for those struggling with chronic illness or caring for unconscious loved ones. She served as a powerful reminder of the power inherent in faith and selfless love.
His Father’s Devotion
Waleed’s father, Prince Khalid bin Talal, became a powerful symbol of unwavering love and loyalty. He made it a point to visit his son regularly and openly defied doctors’ advice to take him off life support.
In various interviews and videos you can often find him like this :
• Reading the Quran softly beside her son’s bed
• speak to him softly
• To hold on to hope, to declare that, “As long as the heart beats, there is hope.”
This heartfelt commitment earned him much respect in the region, not only as a royal figure, but also as a father who never gave up.
Lessons from the Sleeping Prince’s Story
1. Hope is a fundamental human right – Even when science seems to falter, the resilience of the human spirit can continue to struggle.
2. A parent’s love knows no bounds – His father’s unwavering faith will always be cherished.
3. Faith has immense power – Religious beliefs gave strength to the family and millions of supporters.
4. Compassion transcends borders – People of different religions, nations and cultures were deeply moved by the Prince’s visit.
Final Goodbye
The story of Prince Waleed bin Khalid is more than just a royal who spent two decades in a coma. It is a poignant reflection of the essence of caring, hope and selfless love.
In a world that often thrives on quick headlines and fleeting trends, their story has remained an unwavering reminder for twenty years—teaching us that some battles are won not with weapons, but with patience, prayer, and unwavering resolve.
May they rest in peace.
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