Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, famously known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away at the age of 36 after spending nearly 20 years in a coma. The young royal slipped into unconsciousness following a devastating car accident in London in 2005 while studying at a military academy.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed on Saturday, July 19, by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote:
“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 today.”
Early Life and Family
Born in April 1990, Prince Al Waleed hailed from a prominent royal lineage. His father is Prince Khaled bin Talal, and his mother is Princess Dalal bint Saud. His paternal grandfather was the influential Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, and his maternal grandfather was King Saud bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia’s second monarch.
Al Waleed had several siblings, including Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, a well-known advocate for clean energy and a healthy lifestyle. Despite his medical condition, the family maintained close bonds and regularly shared hopeful updates with the public.
The 2005 Car Accident
At just 15 years old, Prince Al Waleed was involved in a severe car crash in London. The accident caused extensive internal bleeding and severe brain injuries that left him in a vegetative coma. Despite expert care in both London and later Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Medical City, he never regained full consciousness.
Over the years, the prince’s condition drew sympathy and attention worldwide. Videos occasionally emerged showing subtle movements, such as finger twitches, fueling hope among supporters and his devoted family. His father, known for his unwavering faith, refused to take him off life support despite medical recommendations, believing in the possibility of divine healing.
Life in Coma
Though Prince Al Waleed did not lead a public career due to his condition, he became a symbolic figure of perseverance and faith within the kingdom. His hospital room became a place of quiet prayer and hope for many, as visitors and family members clung to the possibility of a miracle.
Final Moments and Funeral Arrangements
Prince Al Waleed died on July 19, 2025, at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. Funeral rites were held the following day, July 20. Men’s prayers took place at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque after the Asr prayer, while a separate session for women was held at King Faisal Specialist Hospital following the Dhuhr prayer.
The royal family will be receiving condolences from July 20 to July 22 at the family’s palace in the Al-Fakhriyah district men during the day and women during Maghrib prayers.
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