Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known as ‘sleeping prince’, passed away. He was 36. He was in a coma for two decades following a car accident in London in 2005. The accident caused severe brain injuries.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, stayed by his side. He rejected withdrawing life support. Funeral prayers will be held in Riyadh.
His long medical ordeal began in 2005 after a horrific car crash in London that left him with severe brain injuries at just 15 years old …CONTINUE READING
Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud and the nephew of billionaire businessman Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. At the time of the accident, he was studying as a military cadet in the UK and was seen as a promising figure in the Saudi royal family.
Despite his unresponsive state, his father remained by his side throughout the years, rejecting all suggestions to withdraw life support.
Videos of the prince showing minor movements, such as lifting his fingers, stirred hope across Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab world. His hospital room became a spiritual symbol, drawing visitors and prayers.
In the years that followed, he showed limited signs of physical response. A video clip from 2020, where he lifted his hand in reaction to a greeting, gained widespread attention online. However, he never regained full consciousness, and his condition remained critical.
A nation’s grief
Prince Khaled bin Talal was widely praised for his dedication. He spent years beside his son and shared updates with the public. He firmly believed in divine healing and often posted messages of faith and hope on social media. Even as doctors from Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and Spain treated the prince, his condition remained largely unchanged.
On July 19, Prince Khaled confirmed the death of his son in a deeply emotional message on X, quoting a verse from the Quran and expressing sorrow over the loss. Funeral prayers will be held at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
As news of his death spread, the hashtag #SleepingPrince began trending across social media, with thousands sharing condolences and remembering the young royal who captured hearts in silence.
FAQs
Who was the “Sleeping Prince”?
The “Sleeping Prince” refers to Prince Al‑Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud, eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud. Born in April 1990, he entered a coma at age 15 after the London accident and spent the next 20 years largely unresponsive, becoming a symbol of hope and devotion.
What caused Prince Al‑Waleed bin Khalid’s 20-year coma?
In 2005, 15‑year‑old Prince Al‑Waleed was involved in a severe car crash in London that left him with catastrophic brain injuries and internal bleeding. He never regained full consciousness and remained on life support until his death in July 2025.
Where will his funeral prayers be held?
Funeral prayers for Prince Al‑Waleed will take place at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ceremony is scheduled for the day following his death announcement.
