Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as the “Sleeping Prince,” passed away at the age of 36 after spending nearly two decades in a coma. Born in April 1990, he was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a prominent member of the Saudi royal family and nephew of billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal. His tragic story began in 2005 when, at the age of 15, he suffered a severe car accident while attending a military college in London, leaving him with major brain injuries and internal bleeding.

Despite receiving immediate medical treatment from top specialists in Spain and the United States, Prince Al Waleed never regained full consciousness. He was later transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained on life support under constant medical care for nearly 20 years. His father, Prince Khaled, refused to remove life support, holding firmly to his belief in divine healing. Over time, the prince earned the title “Sleeping Prince” and became a symbol of hope and patience in the kingdom. Occasional videos showing minor finger movements gave a glimmer of hope to his family and well-wishers.

Prince Khaled confirmed his son’s death in a heartfelt statement: “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.” His passing was met with an outpouring of condolences from across the country and beyond. The Global Imams Council also expressed its sympathy to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Royal Family, acknowledging the prince’s long and painful journey following the accident.

Funeral prayers for Prince Al Waleed will be held on Sunday, July 20, at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. The young prince’s story touched many hearts over the years, as he symbolized unwavering familial devotion and hope in the face of medical adversity. His legacy as the “Sleeping Prince” will be remembered by the nation and his loved ones for years to come.