Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a member of the Saudi royal family widely referred to as the “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away at the age of 36 after spending nearly 20 years in a coma. The young royal’s death was confirmed by his family on July 19, 2025, ending a long and publicly followed chapter that had touched hearts across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
A Life Interrupted at 15
Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud. He was pursuing military studies in the United Kingdom when he was involved in a devastating car accident in 2005. The crash reportedly caused extensive brain trauma and internal injuries, leaving him in a coma from which he never recovered.
Following the incident, he was transferred back to Saudi Arabia, where he was treated at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, one of the Kingdom’s leading medical facilities. According to official statements and long-standing public records, the prince remained in a coma for nearly two decades, sustained by medical care and family devotion.
A Family’s Devotion
Throughout his prolonged coma, Prince Al-Waleed’s father, Prince Khaled bin Talal—himself a prominent member of the Saudi royal family and nephew to billionaire businessman Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal—remained by his son’s side. Prince Khaled frequently shared updates on social media, especially through his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, where he would post prayers and images of his son.
Despite his son’s critical condition, Prince Khaled consistently expressed hope for recovery and resisted calls to end life support. His unwavering commitment became a widely recognized symbol of parental love and perseverance. Over the years, the prince’s hospital room was frequently adorned with decorations during major Islamic holidays, including Eid and Ramadan, and transformed into a spiritual sanctuary that reflected both hope and reverence.
One update posted on April 10, 2024, reassured the public that Prince Al-Waleed’s condition remained stable and that he was still receiving care in intensive care. The update also included a brief video clip of the prince lying unconscious, surrounded by holiday decorations.
A National Figure of Quiet Strength
Although Prince Al-Waleed remained nonverbal and unresponsive, his story resonated deeply with many across the Kingdom. Hundreds of visitors—ranging from relatives to concerned citizens—visited him in the hospital over the years. His story received widespread attention on social media and was covered by reputable news outlets, including Al Arabiya, Arab News, and Saudi Gazette.
In a nation where the royal family holds significant influence, the Sleeping Prince came to symbolize strength in adversity, the sanctity of life, and enduring familial bonds. His father’s continuous updates and public messages further encouraged discussions around healthcare, caregiving, and religious faith in difficult circumstances.
Confirmed Passing and Public Mourning
On July 19, 2025, Prince Khaled announced the death of his son on social media with a heartfelt message in Arabic. The post included a verse from the Quran and an image of the prince lying peacefully in his hospital bed. The message conveyed deep sorrow but also faith in divine will.
A funeral prayer was held the following day, attended by family members, Saudi dignitaries, and citizens. According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the royal family expressed gratitude for the public’s condolences and ongoing support throughout the years.
Prince Al-Waleed was laid to rest in Riyadh, in a traditional Islamic ceremony. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance noted that the service adhered to Islamic funeral practices and was attended by a large number of mourners.
Public Reaction and Legacy
The news of Prince Al-Waleed’s death was met with widespread grief across Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of sympathy and prayers, with many users using the hashtag associated with his name to express condolences and share memories of following his story over the years.
His passing marks the end of a uniquely poignant chapter in Saudi royal history. More than a figure of royal descent, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled became a national symbol—his prolonged condition and his family’s faith highlighting the depth of human resilience and emotional endurance.
International media outlets, including BBC Arabic, The National, and Gulf News, have acknowledged the global interest in his story, especially in light of how it showcased both medical perseverance and spiritual devotion.
Medical Perspective and Ethical Considerations
Throughout his years in a coma, Prince Al-Waleed’s case was often referenced in broader discussions about long-term medical care, particularly in the context of persistent vegetative states. According to medical literature, patients in such conditions can survive for extended periods with appropriate life support, though recovery is rare.
Healthcare professionals from within Saudi Arabia and abroad periodically weighed in on the prince’s condition, always within the bounds of medical ethics and privacy. Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih, a consultant neurologist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, once explained in an interview that while such cases are rare, survival for many years is possible with quality care and strong physiological stability.
Nevertheless, decisions regarding continued life support in such cases often carry complex emotional, ethical, and spiritual considerations. Prince Khaled’s decision to sustain care for nearly two decades was rooted deeply in Islamic values and personal conviction, which gained widespread respect both within and outside Saudi Arabia.
Final Thoughts
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud may have lived his final 20 years in silence, but his story echoed loudly across the Arab world. Through the lens of his father’s unwavering dedication and the nation’s collective prayers, the prince came to embody ideals of compassion, family devotion, and the sanctity of life.
His legacy will likely endure as a reminder of what it means to hope against odds and to honor life in all its forms, no matter how still or quiet it may seem.
May he rest in peace.
Sources:
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Saudi Press Agency (www.spa.gov.sa)
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Arab News (www.arabnews.com)
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Al Arabiya English (english.alarabiya.net)
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BBC Arabic
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The National (www.thenationalnews.com)
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Verified social media account of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud (@allah_cure_dede)
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King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs
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Gulf News (www.gulfnews.com)
