Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away after spending two decades in a coma.
He passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the age of 36. His death marks the conclusion of a long and publicly followed journey that began with a devastating car accident in 2005.
The Saudi Royal Court confirmed the prince’s passing through the Saudi Press Agency, and his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, shared an emotional announcement on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Prince Khaled’s message, shared with deep sorrow and faith, stated: "With hearts full of faith in Allah's decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, 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 to Allah's mercy today".
Funeral prayers for the late prince were scheduled for Sunday, July 20, at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, with mourning gatherings extending for three days.
Prince Al-Waleed’s life took a tragic turn in 2005 when, at the age of 15, he was involved in a severe car accident while studying at a military college in London.
The incident resulted in catastrophic brain injuries and internal bleeding, plunging him into a coma from which he never fully regained consciousness.
Following the accident, he was transported to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained on life support for nearly 20 years.
Throughout his prolonged unresponsive state, Prince Al-Waleed became a symbol of unwavering hope and familial devotion. His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, a prominent Saudi royal and nephew of billionaire Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, steadfastly refused to remove his son from life support despite medical advice.
Prince Khaled often shared updates on social media, including videos that occasionally showed the prince making minimal, involuntary movements, such as lifting a finger or moving his head, which offered small glimmers of hope to those who followed his story.
These public displays of paternal dedication resonated deeply with people across Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab world, earning the prince the affectionate moniker "The Sleeping Prince."
Despite extensive medical efforts, involving specialists from the United States and Spain, Prince Al-Waleed's condition remained largely unchanged over the two decades.
His hospital room became a focal point for prayers and visits from well-wishers, reflecting the profound impact his unique struggle had on a wide audience.
His passing marks the end of an extraordinary and challenging chapter for the Saudi royal family and for the many who had followed his silent journey for nearly two decades.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!