Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family who had been in a coma for nearly 20 years, has died. He passed away on Saturday, and his funeral is scheduled to take place in Riyadh on Sunday.
Often referred to as the “Sleeping Prince,” Prince Al Waleed became well-known across the Arab world after he fell into a coma following a car accident in 2005, when he was just a teenager.
He was the nephew of billionaire businessman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the richest men in the Middle East. His condition attracted sympathy from many, and he remained a symbol of patience and hope for years. People across Saudi Arabia and beyond regularly offered prayers for his recovery.
Though he remained unresponsive, his family never gave up hope. From time to time, videos of him showing slight movements would surface, sparking renewed attention and public emotion.
His family announced his death on Saturday through social media and confirmed that he will be buried in Riyadh on Sunday. Tributes have poured in from across the region.