Who was ‘Sleeping Prince’ Al-Waleed of Saudi Arabia? Dies after 20 years in coma | World News

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” passed away on July 19, 2025, after spending nearly two decades in a coma. Born into the powerful House of Saud, his story drew national attention and global sympathy following a devastating car accident in 2005 that left him unresponsive at the age of 15. For 20 years, his family, particularly his father Prince Khaled, remained by his side, holding on to hope and faith. His death marks the end of a long, emotionally resonant chapter in Saudi Arabia’s royal history.

The life and silence of the “Sleeping Prince” of Saudi Arabia

Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal and nephew to billionaire Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. In 2005, while studying at a military college in London, a severe car crash left him with traumatic brain injuries. Declared to be in a persistent vegetative state, he was brought back to Riyadh, where he received continuous medical care at King Abdulaziz Medical City. Despite no signs of full recovery, his occasional movements, like finger twitches, fueled hope that he might someday awaken.Throughout the 20 years of Al-Waleed’s coma, his father refused to end life support. Prince Khaled publicly stated that only God had the right to determine his son’s fate. His devotion resonated deeply in Saudi society, where faith and family are cornerstones of identity. The story of the Sleeping Prince became one of love, hope, and spiritual conviction, often cited as a testament to parental resilience and religious belief.

Passing and public mourning

Prince Al-Waleed passed away on July 19, 2025, at the age of 36. Funeral prayers were held the following day at Riyadh’s Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque. Tributes poured in from across the kingdom, with citizens, scholars, and royal family members expressing sorrow and solidarity. His prolonged medical condition and dignified passing made headlines worldwide.While he spent most of his life in silence, Prince Al-Waleed’s story left a profound mark on the hearts of many. It prompted national conversations around medical ethics, the sanctity of life, and the emotional endurance of families dealing with long-term critical care. To many Saudis, he will be remembered not just as the Sleeping Prince, but as a symbol of enduring love and faith.