Prince Al-Waleed, Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince,’ passes Away: What left him in a 20-year coma? | World News
- Prince Al-Waleed was a Saudi royal known as the “Sleeping Prince.”
- He fell into a coma after a serious car accident in 2005 at age 15.
- He remained in a coma for nearly 20 years under constant medical care.
- He passed away in July 19, 2025, marking the end of a long and hopeful journey.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, widely known across Saudi Arabia and the Arab world as the “Sleeping Prince,” passed away on Saturday, July 19, at the age of 36, after nearly two decades in a coma. The Royal Court announced his death through the Saudi Press Agency, confirming the end of a long and deeply emotional chapter in the life of the Saudi royal family.Prince Al-Waleed’s story has resonated with many over the years, drawing prayers, sympathy, and attention across the region. His passing marks the conclusion of an extraordinary and tragic journey that began with a life full of promise and was later defined by unwavering hope, faith, and familial devotion.
A Life Altered by Tragedy
Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud and the nephew of billionaire businessman Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. As a young man, he was a military cadet studying in London, preparing for a future in service. However, in 2005, at just 15 years old, his life took a sudden and devastating turn when he suffered a car accident that left him with a severe brain hemorrhage and internal injuries.The prince was flown back to Saudi Arabia and admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained under constant medical care. Despite efforts by American and Spanish specialists, including extensive consultations with neurologists and intensive care experts, he never regained full consciousness. Over the years, Prince Al-Waleed remained in a minimally responsive coma, occasionally showing involuntary movements that offered small but fleeting signs of awareness.Throughout his condition, he was kept on a ventilator, and his vital functions were supported round-the-clock. His case drew interest and sympathy far beyond the royal court, turning his hospital room into a quiet spiritual site. Family members and visitors,including religious figures,would gather to recite Quranic verses, hoping for a miracle. Videos showing Prince Al-Waleed’s seemingly subtle reactions to Quranic recitations were shared online and often went viral, becoming symbolic of enduring hope and divine possibility.
Family’s Enduring Hope and Unwavering Devotion
For nearly 20 years, Prince Al-Waleed’s father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, remained resolute in his belief that his son would recover. His dedication was widely recognized, especially as he continually refused to end life support measures despite the long odds and medical counsel. During nightly prayers in Ramadan or during family visits on Eid, Prince Khaled would be seen praying with deep emotion, calling on Allah for his son’s healing.Over the years, he used his social media presence,particularly on the platform X,to share updates, express prayers, and ask others to join in his faith and support. His words conveyed not only the pain of a father but also the strength of belief that defined their journey through the years. Even shortly before his son’s death, Prince Khaled had shared heartfelt prayers for his recovery.On Saturday, July 19, he confirmed the passing of his son with a message that reflected both his grief and his faith. He wrote on X:“With hearts full of faith in Allah’s decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, 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 to Allah’s mercy today.”The announcement was echoed by the Royal Court and published through official channels, closing a chapter that many across the country had followed for nearly two decades.
Funeral Prayers and Mourning Gatherings
Following the announcement, the Royal Court provided details of the funeral prayers and mourning services. Funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed will be held on Sunday, July 20, after the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.Separate condolence gatherings have been arranged for men and women,
- Men’s prayer will be held at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque after Asr prayer.
- Women’s prayer is scheduled at King Faisal Specialist Hospital after the Dhuhr prayer.
The funeral service will be held over three days, spanning three days from Sunday to Tuesday.
- The men’s condolence gathering will take place at Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal’s Palace in Al-Fakhariya.
- The women’s condolence gathering will be held at
Al-Fakhariya Palace , the residence of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, after the Maghrib prayer.
These gatherings are expected to bring together members of the royal family, friends, dignitaries, and the many people across Saudi Arabia who had followed the story of the Sleeping Prince with empathy and prayer.
FAQs:
Q. Who was Prince Al-Waleed?A Saudi royal called the “Sleeping Prince” who stayed in a coma for nearly 20 years after a crash.Q. What caused his coma? A severe brain injury from a 2005 car accident left him in a coma at age 15.Q. How long was he in a coma? He remained in a coma for almost 20 years, from 2005 until his passing in 2025.Q. Did he ever regain consciousness? No, Prince Al-Waleed stayed minimally conscious and never fully woke up.Q. Where and when will his funeral be held? Funeral prayers will start July 20 at Imam Turki Mosque in Riyadh, with services lasting three days.
