Saudi Arabia is grieving over the death of the "Sleeping Prince," who had been in a coma for 21 years.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud, affectionately known as the "Sleeping Prince," **passed away on Saturday, July 19th, 2025,** following nearly 20 years in a coma resulting from a car accident in London when he was just 15 years old.
The tragic accident in 2005 left Prince Al-Waleed with severe brain injuries and internal bleeding, from which he never fully recovered. Despite extensive medical care at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, he remained on life support, with his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, consistently refusing to withdraw care, holding onto hope for his recovery.
Over the years, the health of Prince Al-Waleed had been a topic of interest across Saudi Arabia and the region. His condition, symbolising patience, faith, and family devotion, inspired widespread empathy both in Saudi Arabia and internationally.
News of his passing has sparked mourning across the nation, with social media tributes using the hashtag "#SleepingPrince" trending widely. Many expressing condolences and admiration for his story and the devoted care by his father.
The funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed are scheduled to take place at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh on Sunday afternoon.
The death of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal marks an end to an emotional and significant part of Saudi public life. He was 36 years old at the time of his death.
The news of his death has ended the long-standing hope for his recovery, bringing a close to a medical saga that has captivated the nation for nearly two decades. The profound familial loyalty demonstrated by his family throughout this period serves as a testament to their unwavering love and faith.
[1] Al Arabiya News, (2025). Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince', Prince Al-Waleed, Passes Away After Nearly 20 Years in Coma. [online] Available at: https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2025/07/19/Saudi-Arabias-Sleeping-Prince-Prince-Al-Waleed-Passes-Away-After-Nearly-20-Years-in-Coma
[2] Gulf News, (2025). Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince', Prince Al-Waleed, Dies After Nearly 20 Years in Coma. [online] Available at: https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabias-sleeping-prince-prince-al-waleed-dies-after-nearly-20-years-in-coma-1.16266148449296186
[3] Arab News, (2025). Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud, Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince', Passes Away. [online] Available at: https://www.arabnews.com/node/1825381/saudi-arabia
- The passing of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud, often referred to as the "Sleeping Prince," has become a significant topic in the realm of news, sparking widespread mourning and tributes on social media.
- Beyond politics and business, Prince Al-Waleed's health and well-being have been a focal point of discussion in the field of mental health and health-and-wellness, inspiring empathy and admiration for his resilience.
- In the annals of Saudi history, Prince Al-Waleed's 20-year battle with health issues following a tragic accident will undoubtedly take its place, symbolizing the strength of faith, patience, and family devotion.
- As entertainment media outlets chronicled his story, Prince Al-Waleed's life serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that individual stories can have, bridging cultural and geographical boundaries.
