By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, affectionately known as “The Sleeping Prince,” passed away on Saturday after spending nearly two decades in a coma, bringing a quiet and poignant end to a story that captivated hearts across Saudi Arabia and beyond. He was 36 years old.

The Prince’s long ordeal began in 2005 when, at the age of just 15, he was involved in a severe car accident. The tragic incident left him with extensive brain injuries and plunged him into a coma from which he never fully awoke. For almost 20 years, he remained under constant medical care, his story becoming a symbol of enduring hope and profound familial devotion.

His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, famously became a beacon of unwavering faith throughout his son’s prolonged illness. Despite the dire medical prognosis, Prince Khaled steadfastly refused to remove his son from life support, believing firmly in the possibility of divine healing. His steadfast vigil and public prayers for his son’s recovery resonated deeply, drawing widespread sympathy and admiration. The family often shared moments of the Prince’s minimal responses, offering fleeting glimpses of hope that touched millions.

The Royal Court confirmed Prince Al-Waleed’s passing through the Saudi Press Agency, with his father also sharing the heartbreaking news on social media. The passing of the “Sleeping Prince” marks the conclusion of an extraordinary and tragic journey that inspired countless individuals with its narrative of patience, faith, and paternal love.

Funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed are scheduled to be held on Sunday, July 20, after the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, followed by condolence gatherings.