Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, commonly referred to as the “Sleeping Prince,” has departed from this world at the age of 36 after enduring nearly two decades in a coma. The youthful royal entered into unconsciousness following a tragic automobile collision in London in 2005 while attending a military academy.
The heartbreaking news was validated on Saturday, July 19, by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, through a message on X (formerly Twitter). He expressed:
“With hearts filled with faith in Allah’s divine will and fate, and with deep sorrow and grief, we lament the loss of our cherished son Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who departed this life today.”
Early Life and Family
Born in April 1990, Prince Al Waleed came from a distinguished royal heritage. His father is Prince Khaled bin Talal, and his mother is Princess Dalal bint Saud. His paternal grandfather was the prominent Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, while his maternal grandfather was King Saud bin Abdulaziz, the second monarch of Saudi Arabia.
Al Waleed had numerous siblings, including Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, a well-known proponent of alternative energy and healthy living. Despite his health challenges, the family nurtured strong connections and frequently shared optimistic updates with the public.
The 2005 Car Accident
At merely 15 years of age, Prince Al Waleed was involved in a serious automobile accident in London. The collision resulted in significant internal bleeding and grave brain injuries that left him in a vegetative state. Despite receiving top-notch medical attention in both London and later at Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Medical City, he never achieved full awareness.
Through the years, the prince’s state garnered compassion and attention globally. Occasional videos surfaced displaying minor movements, such as finger twitches, igniting hope among supporters and his devoted family. His father, renowned for his steadfast faith, declined to withdraw life support despite medical advice, maintaining belief in the possibility of miraculous recovery.
Life in Coma
Although Prince Al Waleed did not pursue a public life due to his condition, he became an emblematic figure of resilience and faith within the kingdom. His hospital room transformed into a sanctuary of quiet prayer and optimism for many, as visitors and family members held onto the hope of a miracle.
Final Moments and Funeral Arrangements
Prince Al Waleed passed away on July 19, 2025, at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. Funeral services were conducted the following day, July 20. Men’s prayers occurred at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque after the Asr prayer, while a separate gathering for women took place at King Faisal Specialist Hospital following the Dhuhr prayer.
The royal family will be receiving condolences from July 20 to July 22 at the family’s palace in the Al-Fakhriyah district, with men visiting during the day and women during Maghrib prayers.
