Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled Al-Saud, the Saudi royal famously known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away at the age of 36 after spending 20 years in a coma following a tragic car accident in 2005.
Prince Al-Waleed was just 15 years old and studying at a military college in London when the accident occurred, resulting in a severe brain hemorrhage and internal bleeding. He never regained full consciousness and remained on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh for nearly two decades.
His death was confirmed by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who took to social media platform X to share the sorrowful news.
“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,” the statement read.
Throughout the years, Prince Khaled remained steadfast in his refusal to end life support, nurturing hope that his son would one day recover — a decision that drew both sympathy and admiration across the Arab world.
News of the prince’s passing has sparked a wave of condolences and emotional tributes online, with the hashtag #SleepingPrince trending across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
“May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled rest in peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones,” one user wrote. Another added, “Your time on earth was a blessing to your family and the world in general.”
Funeral prayers are scheduled to be held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
Prince Al-Waleed’s story has long resonated with many, symbolizing the endurance of parental hope, faith, and the emotional complexity of life-support decisions in modern medicine.
May his soul rest in peace.
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