Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known as the “Sleeping Prince,” died Saturday at age 36 after spending two decades in a coma following a devastating car accident in London. The eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud had remained on life support since 2005, when he suffered severe brain injuries and internal bleeding in a traffic collision while studying at a military college in the British capital.
Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud confirmed his son’s death in a statement posted on X, writing that “with hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness,” the family mourns their beloved son who passed away. The announcement came after years of hope that the prince might one day recover from his critical condition.
The crash in 2005 caused catastrophic brain trauma and internal bleeding that left him in a complete coma. He was subsequently transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained under constant medical supervision for nearly 20 years.
Throughout the extended medical ordeal, Prince Khaled remained deeply involved in his son’s care and firmly rejected all suggestions from medical professionals to withdraw life support. The devoted father consulted with specialists from Saudi Arabia, the United States and Spain, but his son’s condition remained largely unchanged despite the extensive medical attention.
Born in April 1989, Prince Al-Waleed was a nephew of billionaire businessman Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. His condition captured widespread attention across Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab world, with his hospital room becoming a place of spiritual significance that drew numerous visitors who came to offer prayers and support.
Over the years, family members reported occasional signs of minimal physical response that provided brief moments of hope. In 2020, a video clip gained significant attention on social media when it showed the prince lifting his fingers in response to a woman’s greeting. When asked if he could raise his hand higher, he briefly managed to lift his entire hand from the hospital bed. However, he never regained full consciousness despite these encouraging moments.
The Global Imams Council issued a statement extending sincere condolences to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi Royal Family following the announcement. The Iraq-based religious organization praised the patience and steadfastness demonstrated by Prince Khaled and his family throughout the lengthy ordeal.
The prince’s death occurred just weeks after a hoax circulated widely on social media, falsely claiming that he had awakened from his coma. This false report had briefly raised hopes among those who had followed his condition over the years.
Following the official announcement of his passing, the hashtag “Sleeping Prince” began trending across social media platforms, with thousands of users sharing messages of condolence and remembrance. Many expressed sympathy for the family and reflected on the young royal’s long struggle with his medical condition.
The Saudi royal court issued a brief statement confirming the death but provided no additional details about the circumstances. Funeral prayers were held on Sunday, July 20, following the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
Prince Al-Waleed’s case became a symbol of parental devotion and faith across the kingdom. His father’s unwavering commitment to his son’s care, despite medical advice to consider withdrawing life support, resonated with many who followed the family’s journey. Prince Khaled often shared updates about his son’s condition on social media, maintaining hope for divine healing while accepting medical realities.
The extended medical care required sophisticated life support systems and around-the-clock monitoring at one of Saudi Arabia’s premier medical facilities. The prince remained on a ventilator throughout his hospitalization, requiring intensive medical intervention to sustain his vital functions.
Social media users from across the Arab world shared memories and prayers following news of the prince’s death. Many noted that his time on earth served as an inspiration for families dealing with similar medical challenges, while others praised the dignity with which the royal family handled the prolonged crisis.
The funeral services drew significant attendance from members of the Saudi Royal Family and other dignitaries. The three-day funeral period provided an opportunity for the kingdom to pay respects to a young royal whose medical struggle became a national symbol of hope and perseverance over two decades.
