Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Al-Waleed bin Khaled Dies After 20-Year Coma

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the age of 36, after nearly two decades in a coma following a devastating car accident in London in 2005. The Saudi Royal Court announced his death, which has sparked an outpouring of condolences across the Arab world, with the hashtag #SleepingPrince trending on social media.

Details of the Incident
Prince Al-Waleed, born April 18, 1990, was 15 and studying at a military college in the UK when he suffered severe brain injuries and internal bleeding in a high-speed car crash. Transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, he remained on life support for 20 years, fed through a tube and under constant medical care. Despite recommendations in 2015 to withdraw life support, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, refused, holding onto hope for a miracle, stating, “If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now”. Videos shared by the family in 2019 and 2020 showed minimal movements, such as Al-Waleed lifting his fingers or turning his head, sparking fleeting hope, though no significant recovery followed.

Family and Public Response
Prince Khaled, a prominent Saudi royal and nephew of billionaire Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, announced his son’s passing on X, writing, “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 Global Imams Council expressed condolences, praising the family’s “patience and steadfastness”. Social media tributes flooded X, with users like @yabaleftonline and @whitenigerian noting, “May his soul rest in complete peace” and “Your time on earth was a blessing” (Hindustan Times). Funeral prayers were held on July 20 at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque for men and King Faisal Specialist Hospital for women, with condolence gatherings at Al-Fakhariya Palace through July 22.

Legacy and Symbolism
Known affectionately as “Dede,” Prince Al-Waleed became a symbol of hope and resilience in Saudi Arabia and beyond. His family’s unwavering faith, including decorating his hospital room for Ramadan and Eid, resonated deeply, with videos of Quran recitations and family visits going viral. A false claim in June 2025, alleging he awoke, was debunked as footage of rally driver Yazeed Mohamed Al-Rajhi, highlighting ongoing public fascination.

Context and Significance
As a great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, founder of modern Saudi Arabia, and great-nephew of King Salman, Prince Al-Waleed’s story transcended royalty, touching hearts with its narrative of parental devotion. His case, one of the region’s most high-profile prolonged comas, raised ethical questions about long-term life support, with some X users like @creepydotorg asking, “Is it humane to keep someone alive for decades in such a state?”.

Developing Story
The “Sleeping Prince” leaves a legacy of faith and endurance, with his story continuing to inspire discussions on medical ethics and family bonds.

Note: Information is based on reports from Saudi and international media, with casualty figures and medical details sourced from the Gaza health ministry and other outlets, considered reliable but subject to verification challenges due to restricted media access in conflict zones.