Saudi Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known as the “Sleeping Prince,” died Saturday, July 19, at age 36 after spending two decades in a coma following a devastating car accident in London. The prince never regained full consciousness after sustaining severe brain injuries and internal bleeding in the 2005 crash when he was just 15 years old.
Prince Al Waleed was studying as a military cadet at a college in London when the accident occurred. The crash left him with critical brain injuries that rendered him comatose. Despite urgent medical care from specialists in America and Spain, he remained in a vegetative state for nearly 20 years.
Following the accident, Prince Al Waleed was transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained on a ventilator under constant medical supervision. His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, steadfastly refused to withdraw life support and remained deeply involved in his son’s care throughout the two decades.
Born in April 1989, Prince Al Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a prominent member of the Saudi royal family and nephew of billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal. His father confirmed the death in a social media statement Saturday, writing that his beloved son had passed away and expressing faith in Allah’s will and decree.
Over the years, Prince Al Waleed earned the nickname “Sleeping Prince” as his condition became widely known throughout Saudi Arabia and beyond. His hospital room frequently received visitors who offered prayers and support for his recovery. The prince’s father often shared updates on social media, documenting his son’s condition and requesting prayers from followers.
Throughout his prolonged coma, there were occasional signs that gave family members hope. Videos shared on social media in 2020 showed Prince Al Waleed displaying minimal movement, including lifting his fingers when greeted by visitors. When asked to raise his hand higher, he managed to briefly lift his entire hand from the bed. However, these responses never developed into full consciousness.
Prince Khaled decorated his son’s hospital room for special occasions, including Ramadan, Eid, and Saudi National Day, maintaining hope that his son might eventually recover. The father’s dedication to his son’s care became widely known, with several of his social media posts about Prince Al Waleed garnering millions of views over the years.
The Saudi royal court announced the prince’s death in a brief statement Saturday, expressing that Allah bestow mercy, forgiveness, and satisfaction upon him. The announcement came just weeks after a false rumor circulated on social media claiming that Prince Al Waleed had awakened from his coma, which proved to be a hoax.
Following news of his death, the hashtag “Sleeping Prince” began trending across Saudi social media platforms. Thousands of users offered condolences to the family, with messages expressing sympathy and prayers. One social media user wrote that the prince’s time on earth was a blessing to his family and the world, while others expressed hope that his soul would rest in peace.
The Global Imams Council, an Iraq-based religious organization, issued a statement extending sincere condolences to the Saudi Royal Family, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the esteemed Royal Family. The organization praised the patience and steadfastness demonstrated by Prince Khaled bin Talal and his family throughout the difficult ordeal.
Funeral prayers for Prince Al Waleed were held Sunday, July 20, after the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. According to regional media reports, the funeral services last three days following the initial prayer ceremony. The prince’s father indicated that “With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree,” he mourned his beloved son’s passing.
Prince Al Waleed’s case drew international attention over the years as one of the longest documented comas in recent memory. His father’s unwavering commitment to his care, despite medical advice to consider withdrawing life support in 2015, became a testament to parental dedication that resonated with many people worldwide who followed the story.
