Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies After 20 Years in Coma
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, known as the 'Sleeping Prince', passes away at 36 after two decades in a coma following a tragic car accident.
- Prince Al-Waleed fell into a coma in 2005 after a car crash at age 15.
- He remained on life support for nearly 20 years
- His story became a national symbol of hope and parental devotion
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, affectionately known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” has died at the age of 36 after spending nearly two decades in a coma.
His death was confirmed by his family over the weekend, closing a deeply emotional chapter in the Saudi royal family’s history — one that touched millions with its themes of hope, resilience, and a father’s unwavering love.
“With hearts filled with faith in Allah’s will and deep sorrow, we mourn our beloved son Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. May Allah have mercy on him,” his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, shared in a heartfelt post on social media.
Funeral prayers will be held Sunday after Asr at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
Prince Al-Waleed’s tragic journey began in 2005, when a serious car crash in London left him with a critical brain hemorrhage at just 15 years old. He was transported back to Saudi Arabia and hospitalized at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained in a coma ever since.
Despite intensive treatment efforts in Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and Spain, the prince never regained consciousness. Throughout the years, he remained on life support, with his father refusing to end medical care, believing in the possibility of a miracle.
Prince Al-Waleed, born in April 1990, was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal. His prolonged condition turned into a national story of endurance, devotion, and hope — with his father’s loyal bedside presence capturing hearts across the kingdom and beyond.
His passing marks the end of one of Saudi Arabia’s most poignant royal sagas.
