After nearly two decades in a coma, Saudi royal Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal—lovingly known as the “Sleeping Prince”—has passed away at the age of 36.
His life was forever altered in 2005, when a devastating car accident in London left the then-teenage prince with severe brain damage and internal bleeding. Despite receiving immediate medical care, Prince Al-Waleed never regained consciousness.
For 20 years, he remained in a coma at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Saudi Arabia, sustained by life support. His enduring condition captured the hearts of many, symbolizing both the fragility of life and the strength of a family’s love and hope.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, confirmed his son’s passing in a heartfelt statement on July 19, marking the end of a long and poignant chapter in the Saudi royal family’s history.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal—known to many as the “Sleeping Prince”—has passed away at the age of 36, bringing a sorrowful close to a story that touched hearts across the world.
In 2005, as a teenager studying in London, the Saudi royal was involved in a tragic car accident that left him with severe brain damage and internal bleeding. Despite emergency medical care, he slipped into a coma and never fully regained consciousness.
For the past two decades, Prince Al-Waleed remained on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Saudi Arabia. His rare, faint movements—such as raising a finger or slightly nodding his head, last observed in 2019—offered fleeting hope, though doctors confirmed they were not signs of full awareness.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, shared the heartbreaking news in a statement on July 19, saying, “With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son: Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him.”
Known for his family’s enduring hope and unwavering love, Prince Al-Waleed’s story became a powerful symbol of faith, resilience, and the mysteries of the human spirit. He is now at peace after 20 years suspended between life and death.
In the wake of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal’s passing, an outpouring of condolences has flooded social media, with people across the globe offering prayers and heartfelt messages of sympathy to the grieving royal family.
The Global Imams Council issued a formal statement, saying:
“The Global Imams Council extends its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the esteemed Royal Family, on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who passed away after a long struggle that lasted nearly twenty years following a tragic accident.”
Individuals also took to social media to express their sorrow. One mourner wrote:
“May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled rest in peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones.”
The prince’s story—marked by a long, silent struggle and unwavering family devotion—has left a lasting impression on many. As the world mourns the loss of the “Sleeping Prince,” his memory lives on as a symbol of enduring hope, resilience, and faith in the face of unimaginable hardship.
“Your time on earth was a blessing to your family and the world in general.”
Another expressed a tender wish,
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
The funeral prayers for the beloved prince are reportedly scheduled to be held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, where family, friends, and dignitaries will gather to honor his memory and bid their final farewell.