Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Passes Away After 20 Years in Coma
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled Al-Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away at the age of 36, nearly two decades after a tragic accident left him in a long-term coma.
The royal, who was just 15 years old when he sustained severe injuries in a car crash in London in 2005, had remained in a coma ever since. The accident caused a brain haemorrhage and internal bleeding, leaving him dependent on a ventilator for life support.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al-Saud, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Saturday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing deep sorrow while acknowledging Allah’s will and mercy.
“With hearts believing in Allah’s decree, and with great sadness, we mourn our beloved son, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. May Allah have mercy on him,” the post read.
At the time of the accident, Prince Al-Waleed was studying at a military academy in London. His father remained resolute in preserving his son’s life over the years, reportedly defying medical advice in 2015 to disconnect life support.
Despite moments that sparked brief hope—including the prince moving his fingers and tilting his head—his condition never significantly improved.
Prince Al-Waleed was the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz (Ibn Saud), the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. He was also the nephew of billionaire Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal and a relative of the current monarch, King Salman.
Funeral arrangements are set for Sunday. Male relatives and mourners will gather at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, while a separate service for women will take place at King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
