The Royal Court of Saudi Arabia has confirmed the passing of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, famously referred to as the “Sleeping Prince,” after remaining in a coma for nearly two decades. He was 35 years old.
Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the nephew of renowned billionaire and investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. His life was dramatically altered in 2005 following a devastating car crash in the United Kingdom at the age of 15, which resulted in severe brain trauma and internal bleeding.
Since that tragic incident, the prince had been on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. His condition remained unchanged despite years of consultations with top medical professionals, including teams from the United States and Spain who once considered a delicate surgery to control brain bleeding.
Prince Khaled, his father, chose to continue life-sustaining treatment, expressing deep faith in divine will. “Had God willed his death at that time, he would have already been buried,” he once stated in response to medical advice to discontinue support.
Over the years, the prince’s hospital room transformed into a space of spiritual reflection, where family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to pray. Occasional movements, such as the prince slightly turning his head, were captured in videos shared by family members, bringing moments of hope to many across social media. His aunt, Princess Reema bint Talal, was among those who regularly shared updates and emotional tributes.
The announcement of his death came through a heartfelt message shared by Prince Khaled bin Talal on the platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing profound grief over his son’s passing. The royal funeral is scheduled to take place in Riyadh on Sunday.
Born in 1990, Prince Al-Waleed’s story touched millions across the Arab world, symbolizing a journey of patience, hope, and enduring family devotion. Messages of condolence and remembrance have since flooded social media, mourning the loss of a royal who lived in silence but was never forgotten.