Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, often referred to as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” passed away on July 19, 2025, in Riyadh at the age of 36, after enduring nearly two decades in a coma.
Born on April 18, 1989, he was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, and a nephew of the well-known billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. In 2005, at just 15 years old, Al-Waleed was studying at a military academy in London when he was involved in a severe car accident.
The crash caused catastrophic injuries including a brain hemorrhage and internal bleeding that plunged him into a coma.
Immediately following the accident, he was transferred back to Saudi Arabia and admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained on critical life-support systems notably a ventilator and feeding tube under specialized care.
Over the years, medical experts from the US and Spain were consulted, but no meaningful recovery ever followed.
Prince Khaled, his father, became devoted to his care, famously resisting medical advice in 2015 to discontinue life support. He believed strongly in divine will and held firm that both life and death rested in Allah’s hands.
His dedication sparked profound empathy across the Arab world; touching moments included him decorating his son’s hospital room for Ramadan, Eid, and Saudi National Day events that went viral online.
At times, slight movements such as raising a finger, a hand, or a head turn ignited brief waves of hope. In 2019, one such video stirred optimism, but the prince remained in a deep coma. Despite occasional rumors of awakening, none proved accurate.
An emotional tribute posted by Prince Khaled on X (formerly Twitter) read: “With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son… who passed away today.”
He quoted Quranic verse: “O reassured soul, return to your Lord, well‑pleased and pleasing.
The funeral took place on July 20, 2025. Men’s prayers were held at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh after Asr, and women’s prayers followed at King Faisal Specialist Hospital after Dhuhr. A three-day condolence period was declared across the city.
Prince Al-Waleed’s passing marks the end of an enduring narrative of unwavering faith, paternal devotion, and collective prayers.
His prolonged coma and the steadfast resolve of his father resonated with millions, turning him into a symbol of hope, resilience, and the immeasurable power of familial love. His memory remains an emotional testament to endurance and spiritual belief.
