Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies After 19 Years in Coma

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known to many as Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’, has died at the age of 36 after spending nearly two decades in a coma. The prince passed away on Saturday at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he had been on life support since 2005.

Prince Al-Waleed fell into a coma following a severe car accident in London while studying at a military college in the United Kingdom. The crash resulted in a major brain haemorrhage, leaving him in a persistent vegetative state for the rest of his life.

His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, announced the news on social media, expressing deep sorrow while affirming faith in God’s will. “With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son,” he wrote in Arabic on X.

The Saudi Royal Court confirmed the prince’s death and announced that funeral prayers will take place on Sunday, July 20, at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, following Asr prayer. A three-day period of official mourning will follow.

Prince Al-Waleed’s condition had long drawn public attention both in Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world. Despite his unresponsive state, occasional minor movements—such as a twitch of the fingers or a nod of the head—sparked hope among his family and followers, many of whom believed in the possibility of a miracle.

Throughout the years, Prince Khaled remained steadfast at his son’s bedside, often sharing updates and videos with the public, and continuously asking for prayers. His unwavering presence and devotion became a symbol of parental love and endurance.

Speculation occasionally emerged online claiming the prince had regained consciousness, but those reports were never confirmed. His passing now brings closure to years of uncertainty and hope.