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In life, as in death, some truths remain universal, even for those born into unimaginable wealth. Such is the tale of a Saudi prince whose story captivated and ultimately saddened the world.
On July 19, 2025, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid, a member of the Saudi royal family, passed away at the age of 36, after being in a coma for two decades. Dubbed the “Sleeping Prince” by media outlets, his case underscores the limitations of even the most extensive resources when confronting the vagaries of fate.
Born with the proverbial silver spoon, the Prince’s lineage was nothing short of royal. With his grandfather’s brother being the current King and his father and uncles being both princes and multi-billionaires, Al-Waleed lived a life straight out of a modern-day fairytale — until tragedy struck.
In 2005, while studying in London, a severe car accident left the then 15-year-old with a traumatic brain injury, plunging him into a coma.
For the next two decades, he remained dependent on a ventilator, a stark reminder of the fragility of life, irrespective of privilege.
Over the years, medical professionals reportedly suggested discontinuing treatment, but his father, Prince Khalid bin Talal, remained steadfast, refusing to concede hope.
Fueled by unwavering faith, the father maintained a constant vigil at his son’s bedside, providing a continuous stream of conversation alongside access to the most skilled medical personnel, high-end equipment, and innovative rehabilitation methods, all aimed at awakening his beloved son.
Reports indicate that Prince Al-Waleed’s annual medical expenses ran into the millions of dollars, a demonstration of a family determined to spare no expense in their quest to save him.
Ultimately however, a miracle failed to materialize.
The Prince’s passing has undoubtedly dealt a severe blow to his family, particularly given the fleeting glimmers of hope they experienced.
There were signs of potential recovery under the careful care he received.
Videos surfaced in 2019 showing the Prince seemingly responding to external stimuli, moving his fingers, and at times, even lifting his hand or leg.
These moments of responsiveness were met with jubilation from his family, fueling the belief that their years of unwavering commitment were finally bearing fruit.
Sadly, the pace of recovery proved insufficient to counteract the body’s deterioration from prolonged coma, leading to the Prince’s eventual death.
Real-Life Counterpoint: The UAE Woman Who Awoke After 27 Years
Instances of individuals emerging from prolonged comas do exist.
Munira Abdulla, a woman from the United Arab Emirates, experienced a similar ordeal. In 1991, a car accident caused a severe brain injury that left her in a coma. She awoke in 2018, after 27 years.
During the accident, Abdulla and her son were in the backseat. She shielded him, leaving him unharmed while she sustained the critical injury that led to a diagnosis of a vegetative state – a lack of awareness coupled with the ability to feel pain.
Like Prince Al-Waleed, she was kept alive with the aid of medical apparatus, and she underwent rehabilitation including treatments to prevent muscle atrophy and medications to stimulate consciousness.
One day, after an argument occurred in her hospital room between hospital staff, Abdulla made a strange noise. Her son, Omar, called a doctor who found that, within three days, she was able to call out to her son.
Omar Abdulla credits “a mother’s love” with his mother’s miraculous reawakening.
He explained, “She woke up because she heard me, and thought I was in danger.”
Doctors called Abdulla’s awakening a medical “miracle,” noting the rarity of such an event after an extended coma.
Final Thoughts
The Prince’s death has resonated deeply, prompting reflection and mourning. It also raises questions about the ethical considerations surrounding life support after prolonged periods of unconsciousness, the primary question being, is maintaining life through a ventilator for 20 years the right choice?
Given the slim chances of recovery after so many years, some argue that allowing a peaceful passing would be preferable to “prolonging” existence devoid of quality.
However, families often struggle with such decisions. The hope of recovery remains a powerful motivator, overriding considerations of cost or potential outcomes. For them, the question isn’t about what ‘should’ be done, but rather, what they can endure.
As a Saudi prince, funding the best available care was not an issue, a privilege that comes with royalty. For others, it is often compromise and reality.
Extensive medical care and constant support take a toll, not just financially but emotionally. Without unwavering strength, many find themselves overwhelmed, ultimately forced to relinquish their hope.
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Original article, Author: Tobias. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/5400.html
