Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away after spending 20 years in a coma following a devastating car accident. The prince was just 18 years old in 2005 when he suffered a traumatic brain injury during a car crash while studying at a military college in the United Kingdom. The accident left him in a persistent vegetative state, a condition that sparked both medical interest and public sympathy across the Arab world. He spent the remainder of his life under constant medical care at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, where he died peacefully on Sunday, July 21, 2025, surrounded by his immediate family.
From the day of the accident, Prince Al-Waleed’s parents, particularly his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al-Saud, refused to give up hope. Despite medical professionals suggesting the possibility of ending life support early on, the family remained firmly committed to keeping the prince alive, relying on faith and a deep belief in the possibility of recovery. Over the years, the prince’s story touched the hearts of many in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Occasional videos released by the family showed the prince blinking or slightly moving his fingers, sparking waves of hope and prayers from well-wishers. He became a symbol of patience, resilience, and the unshakable bond between parent and child.
Prince Al-Waleed’s case was unique not just because of its duration, but also because of the public visibility it maintained for two decades. Thousands followed his condition through social media updates and news reports, with many referring to him affectionately as “The Sleeping Prince.” His long-term medical care required a full-time team of specialists, nurses, and support staff. The royal family funded his treatment, and his hospital room became a private but sacred space where both medical science and spiritual devotion intersected.
News of the prince’s passing was announced through a statement by the royal family, which read: “With hearts full of faith in God’s will and destiny, we mourn the passing of our beloved son, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud, who has returned to his Lord after a long and patient struggle. May Allah bless him and grant him the highest place in paradise.” The news quickly spread across social media platforms, with the hashtag #SleepingPrince trending throughout the Kingdom and the wider Middle East. People from all walks of life; royals, religious leaders, celebrities, and ordinary citizens offered their condolences and prayers.
Funeral prayers for the late prince were held at the Grand Mosque in Riyadh, attended by members of the royal family, government officials, religious scholars, and hundreds of mourners. He was laid to rest at Al-Oud Cemetery, the final resting place of many Saudi royals and national figures. While Prince Al-Waleed never regained consciousness, his story left a lasting emotional impact. His life prompted discussions about long-term coma care, brain trauma treatment, and the ethics surrounding life support. Several charitable organizations and initiatives were launched in his name, focusing on medical research and support for families of coma patients.
The death of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid marks the end of a chapter filled with sorrow, love, and enduring hope. Though he never awoke, his presence was deeply felt by millions who followed his journey over the years. His memory will live on as a poignant reminder of the human capacity for faith, the power of parental love, and the fragile line between life and silence. The Sleeping Prince may now rest, but the legacy of his long, quiet battle will remain part of Saudi Arabia’s collective memory for generations to come.
