Details about the ‘sleeping Prince’ of Saudi Arabia who died after 20 years in coma | READ DETAILS
Details about the ‘sleeping Prince’ of Saudi Arabia who died after 20 years in coma | READ DETAILS
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who remained in a coma for two decades following a car accident in London, has died at the age of 36. His death was announced on Friday by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, in a post on X.
“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 post read.
Prince Al-Waleed sustained severe brain injuries and internal bleeding in 2005 while studying at a military college in the United Kingdom. He was 15 years old at the time of the crash. Shortly after the accident, he was transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained on life support.
Over the years, Prince Al-Waleed’s condition did not significantly improve, despite minimal reflexive responses occasionally observed during medical assessments. Doctors from multiple countries were involved in his care in the early stages, but no meaningful recovery was recorded.
Throughout the prince’s hospitalisation, Prince Khaled maintained a visible presence and consistently rejected suggestions to end life support. Speaking on various occasions, he said decisions on life and death should remain with God. The prince’s hospital room became a place of continuous care and visitation, often drawing religious scholars, family members, and others close to the royal family.
The case drew widespread public interest, especially on social media, where he came to be known as the “Sleeping Prince.” Over the years, short clips of Al-Waleed’s minimal movements occasionally went viral, sometimes fueling false reports that he had regained consciousness. In one widely circulated but incorrect video, another man was mistaken for the prince.
Following the announcement of his death, thousands posted condolences online using the hashtag “Sleeping Prince.” “May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, Rest In Peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones,” read one message. Another user wrote, “May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
The Saudi Royal Court confirmed his passing in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. The Global Imams Council also issued a formal condolence message to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the royal family.
Funeral prayers for the late prince were held on Sunday, July 20, at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. A separate prayer session for women was held earlier in the day at King Faisal Specialist Hospital. The family announced it would be receiving condolences between July 20 and 22.
Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal and a nephew of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, a prominent businessman. His death marks the end of a medical condition that quietly endured in the public eye for two decades, sustained by faith, royal tradition, and family resolve.
THE GUARDIAN
