In a deeply emotional turn of events, Sleeping Prince Saudi Arabia, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud, has passed away at the age of 36 after spending two decades in a coma. The Saudi royal family has been shaken by this devastating news, which has also sparked sympathy around the world.
Prince Al-Waleed, also referred to as the Sleeping Prince, came to represent unwavering optimism, medical advancement, and parental love. His tale started with tragedy and finished with widespread grief.
A Tragic Beginning: The Car Accident in London
At just 15 years old, Prince Al-Waleed suffered a devastating brain hemorrhage following a car accident in London in 2005. The incident occurred while he was studying at a military academy, and it left him in a coma that lasted 20 long years. His condition remained unchanged throughout that time, keeping the prince in a vegetative state supported by life-saving machines.
Despite being unresponsive, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid captured the world’s attention due to the fierce determination of his father, Prince Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, who refused to give up on him. Against repeated medical recommendations—including advice in 2015 to let nature take its course—his father stood firm, insisting on maintaining the machines that kept his son alive.
A Symbol of Endurance and Hope: Sleeping Prince Saudi Arabia
Over the years, the prince’s rare movements—slight gestures such as lifting a finger or tilting his head—gave a glimmer of hope to his family and followers. Videos of these moments would occasionally surface online, reigniting interest in what many referred to as the Sleeping Prince story.
The saga of the Saudi prince in coma for 20 years became more than a medical case—it became a global story of faith, love, and persistence.
Confirmation of Death
The news of the Al-Waleed bin Khalid death was confirmed by his father via a heartfelt social media post. On X (formerly Twitter), Prince Khalid wrote:
“With full belief in Allah’s destiny and command, and with deep sorrow and grief, we mourn the loss of our beloved son, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. May Allah have mercy on him.”
The message struck a deep emotional chord, receiving condolences from across the Arab world and beyond. The hashtag #SleepingPrince began trending across platforms as thousands paid tribute to the young royal.
A Royal Legacy
Prince Al-Waleed was not just any member of the royal family; he was the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, the founding monarch of modern Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he was the nephew of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, a multibillionaire businessman well-known throughout the world for his charitable contributions and investments. His great-grandfather, King Salman, is the current ruler of the Kingdom.
As such, the Saudi royal family news was closely followed by international media and royal watchers. The Sleeping Prince represented both a medical phenomenon and a deep personal tragedy for one of the world’s most influential families.
Funeral Arrangements and Public Tributes
Funeral prayers for the prince were held on Sunday afternoon at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. At the King Faisal Specialist Hospital, female royal family members gathered separately for prayers.
The Al-Fakhariya Palace will be open to the public from Sunday to Tuesday for those wishing to pay their respects. The royal family has extended the invitation to both men and women who want to honor the prince’s memory.
The End of a Long Battle
The passing of the Sleeping Prince Saudi Arabia marks the end of a long and painful chapter in the royal family’s life. It is also a moment that reflects the powerful intersection of love, faith, and medical perseverance.
Despite being unconscious for two decades, the prince’s existence touched millions. His story reminded the world that life, even in its most fragile form, has meaning.
As the Kingdom mourns, the world joins in remembering a young prince who lived in silence but left behind a legacy of hope and strength.