Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – July 20, 2025 — Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a member of the prominent Saudi royal family famously known across the Arab world as the “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away nearly two decades after falling into a coma from a devastating car accident in 2005.
The prince, a nephew of Saudi billionaire and international investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, died on Saturday, according to a statement released by the royal family. His funeral is scheduled to take place on Sunday in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
Prince Al Waleed was only a teenager when he suffered life-threatening injuries in a car crash that occurred while he was studying at a military college. He subsequently slipped into a coma, from which he never awoke. For 19 years, the young royal remained in a minimally conscious state, becoming both a symbol of sorrow and a quiet testament to enduring faith for many in the region.
Throughout his prolonged medical ordeal, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, was publicly vocal about the family’s decision to keep hope alive for his son’s recovery. The family refused to withdraw life support, despite the prolonged unresponsive condition, maintaining that only God could decide the time of his death.
Photos and occasional video updates released over the years showed Prince Al Waleed connected to medical equipment, with his family often by his side. In one notable moment that drew widespread attention on social media, the prince reportedly showed slight movement in response to his father’s voice in 2019, leading to renewed prayers and optimism.
“We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return,” the prince’s family wrote in a heartfelt post announcing his passing. “With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of our beloved Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal. He was a son who brought us closer to faith, and whose journey touched millions.”
While Prince Al Waleed never had the chance to make a public impact through royal duties or personal achievements due to his condition, his name became well-known in the Arab world and beyond. Many regarded him as a figure of patience, a young man whose fate reminded others of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of familial love.
Throughout the years, his father Prince Khaled stood as a symbol of devotion and spiritual resolve. “God who gave him life has the right to take it when He wills,” the elder prince once said during a televised interview, explaining the family’s determination to continue providing care and prayers, despite medical advice urging otherwise.
In the conservative and faith-centered society of Saudi Arabia, Prince Al Waleed’s story resonated deeply with many who saw in his life a reflection of divine testing, parental faith, and the Islamic belief in miracles. Thousands followed updates about him online, and his name became widely known in prayer circles and religious forums.
Following his death, tributes poured in from across the Kingdom and neighboring countries. Prominent figures, Islamic clerics, and citizens took to social media to express condolences and reflect on the prince’s long struggle.
One Twitter user wrote, “The Sleeping Prince is now in God’s care. May Allah reward his patience and the patience of his family.” Another posted, “His life may have been silent, but his story spoke volumes.”
The royal court has announced that funeral prayers will be held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh on Sunday, July 20. Senior members of the House of Saud, dignitaries, and members of the public are expected to attend the solemn ceremony.
Born into one of the most influential branches of the Saudi royal family, Prince Al Waleed’s lineage linked him to powerful figures in both the royal and business spheres. His uncle, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, is known globally as a major investor with stakes in international companies such as Citigroup, Twitter, and hotel chains like the Four Seasons.
Despite his comatose condition, Prince Al Waleed remained an emotionally significant presence within the House of Saud. The dedication shown by his parents over the last two decades reflected the family’s conservative values and religious conviction. His mother, Princess Jazzi bint Saud bin Abdulaziz, also maintained a private but strong support role during his long hospitalization.
No official cause of death was publicly announced, but medical experts have noted that long-term comatose patients often suffer from recurring complications including infections, organ failure, and respiratory issues.
As the kingdom prepares to bid farewell to the young royal, many are reflecting on the extraordinary chapter his life represented in the modern history of Saudi Arabia. He leaves behind not a legacy of political or business ventures, but a powerful reminder of faith, hope, and the strength of familial love in the face of unimaginable trials.
The prince’s story, shared widely across the Arab world for nearly two decades, touched the lives of countless families who saw in him a reflection of their own struggles, hopes, and prayers.
In death, as in life, Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal remains an enduring symbol of devotion and belief.
May his soul rest in peace.
