Why family of 'Sleeping Prince' refused doctors' advice as he dies after spending 20 years in coma following car crash
After years on life support, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud's family refused to give up on him.
In 2005, the Saudi prince was involved in a car accident in London, UK, that left the then-teenager with life-changing injuries.
Prince Al-Waleed was transferred to Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz Medical City, where he spent the remaining years of his life in a coma.
It wasn't until yesterday (July 19) that the 36-year-old had passed away due to his injuries.
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Announcing the news of his death, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, said: "With hearts believing in Allah will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son: Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away today."
Prince Al-Waleed's family had not given up hope that their son would recover, so they ignored doctors' advice and opted to keep him alive.
The decision was influenced by their religious beliefs, and speaking on this, Prince Khaled previously said, as per Economic Times: "If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now."
Elsewhere, his mother said that she still sensed her son's spirit while he was in a coma.
The Royal Family are thought to have had a glimmer of hope for Prince Al-Waleed's future back in 2019 when he moved his fingers and head.
Roya News said that 'he showed signs of limited awareness through small gestures, such as lifting a finger or slightly moving his head—though these moments did not indicate a return to full consciousness'.
This was the prince's last recorded movement.
Tributes have been rolling in for Prince Al-Waleed in the wake of his passing.
"The Global Imams council extends its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Adbulaziz, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the esteemed Royal Family, on the passing of His Royal Highness Pirnce Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who passed away after a long struggle that lasted nearly twenty years following a tragic accident," The Global Imams Council said in a post shared on Twitter.
Meanwhile, others online paid their respects and condolences to the Royal Family as well.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Topics: Saudi Arabia, Royal Family, News
Niamh Shackleton