Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’, has passed away after spending nearly two decades in a coma. He was aged 36.
The prince died on Saturday at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he had been on life support since 2005 following a devastating car accident in London. He was studying at a military college in the United Kjngdom when the crash occurred, leaving him with a severe brain haemorrhage and placing him in a persistent vegetative state.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media.
“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, who passed away today,” the grieving father wrote on X.
The Saudi Royal Court also confirmed the prince’s death, noting that funeral prayers will be held on Sunday, July 20, at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh following the Asr prayer. A traditional three-day mourning period will follow.
Recall that Prince Al-Waleed’s medical condition had drawn widespread attention over the years. Despite being in a coma, he occasionally showed minimal signs of consciousness, such as slight hand or head movements, small gestures that ignited hope among his family and followers.
His father, Prince Khaled, remained a constant presence by his side, regularly sharing videos and updates with the public. He also requested continuous prayers for his son’s recovery, embodying the unwavering love and faith that turned the prince’s story into one of resilience and paternal devotion across the Arab world.
In recent years, speculation swirled online about reports that he had awoken, but those claims were never verified. His death now puts those rumours to rest.
