Al Wald bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud, often referred to as the “sleeping prince” of Saudi Arabia, died on Saturday at the age of 36 after spending two decades in a coma.
He was born on April 18, 1989, and was in a coma since 2005 following a car accident in London when he was just 15.
The car crash led to severe cerebral and internal hemorrhaging, which left him unconscious. After the accident, he was placed on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained without regaining consciousness.
Prince Al Wald was the firstborn son of Prince Khaled bin Talal al Saud and the grandson of Prince Taral bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is part of the ruling Saud family.
Prince Khaled had always held onto hope for his son’s recovery and never let go of life support, confirming Prince Al Wald’s passing on Saturday. He also shared a poignant verse from the Quran as part of his grief.
“With faith and heart in Allah’s will and commands, and in deep sorrow, we mourn our beloved son,” he expressed.
The Global Imam Council released a statement as well, extending sympathies to the ruling family, including King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
They acknowledged the enduring strength shown by Prince Khaled and his family during this difficult time, sharing in the royal family’s sorrow.
“I pray that Allah Almighty envelops the late prince with His vast mercy and grants him a place in eternal paradise, while providing comfort to his family and loved ones,” the council added.
