I've never bought the idea that he was actually biologically dead or in a vegetative state, because that would be so difficult cover up. I even kind of believe that the proof-of-life photo is real (but likely doctored to make him look less ghastly).

But anyone who's gone through the dying process with an elderly relative knows what's going on. At best he'll linger on for a few months, and might even make a public appearance if he has a good day. And then he will die in September or October or something, to no-one's surprise.