Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince,’ Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud, Passes Away at 36 After Two Decades in Coma

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud, widely known across Saudi Arabia and the Arab world as the “Sleeping Prince,” passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the age of 36. His death marks the somber end of a nearly two-decade-long coma, a journey that captivated and deeply moved millions.

The Royal Court announced his passing through the Saudi Press Agency, confirming the conclusion of an extraordinary and tragic chapter in the life of the Saudi royal family.

A Life Altered by Tragedy

Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud and the nephew of the prominent billionaire businessman, Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. His life, full of royal privilege and promise, took a devastating turn in 2005. At just 15 years old, while studying at a military academy in London, he was involved in a severe car accident that left him with catastrophic brain injuries and internal bleeding.

Following the accident, Prince Al-Waleed was immediately flown back to Saudi Arabia and admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. Despite extensive efforts by specialists from the United States, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, he never regained full consciousness. He remained in a minimally responsive coma, kept alive on a ventilator with round-the-clock medical care. While he occasionally showed involuntary movements, such as a slight lifting of fingers, these were fleeting signs that did not indicate a return to full awareness.

A Father’s Unwavering Hope

For nearly 20 years, Prince Al-Waleed’s father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, maintained an unwavering belief that his son would one day recover. He famously refused to end life support measures, despite medical counsel and the long odds. Prince Khaled’s profound dedication became a symbol of steadfast faith and paternal love, resonating deeply with people across the region. He frequently shared heartfelt prayers and emotional messages on social media, often posting videos that showed his son’s minimal movements, offering glimpses of hope to countless well-wishers. His palace, during this period, became a quiet place of prayer, with religious figures and supporters visiting to offer their supplications.

The “Sleeping Prince” – A Symbol of Endurance

As the years passed, the public affectionately bestowed upon him the moniker “The Sleeping Prince.” This title perfectly encapsulated the suspended nature of his life – a young royal frozen in time, a reminder of life’s fragility, and a story of endurance that millions followed from afar. His prolonged state in a coma transformed his personal tragedy into a national narrative, not for what he accomplished, but for what he endured and the profound devotion his family displayed.

Funeral and Mourning

Following the announcement of his passing, funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed were held on Sunday, July 20, after the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. Separate condolence gatherings have been arranged for men and women, with services continuing for three days at Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal’s Palace in Al-Fakhariya.

Prince Al-Waleed’s passing brings a poignant close to a deeply personal and publicly followed journey, leaving a legacy of hope, faith, and a father’s enduring love in the face of unimaginable adversity.