Saudi Arabia Mourns ‘Sleeping Prince’ Al-Waleed bin Khaled After 20 Years in Coma

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, known as the “Sleeping Prince,” passed away on July 19, 2025, at age 36, after nearly 20 years in a coma. The Royal Court announced his death through the Saudi Press Agency, and his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, shared a heartfelt message on X: “With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son: Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away today.”

Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed, the eldest son of Prince Khaled and nephew of billionaire Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, was a military cadet in London when a 2005 car accident at age 15 caused severe brain hemorrhage and internal injuries. Transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, he remained in a minimally responsive coma, supported by mechanical ventilation. Despite consultations with global specialists, including American and Spanish neurologists, he never regained full consciousness.

Occasional involuntary movements, such as slight head or finger motions, sparked hope, with videos shared by family members like Princess Rima bint Talal in 2019 and 2020 going viral, inspiring prayers across the Arab world. Prince Khaled, steadfast in his faith, rejected medical advice to end life support, stating, “If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now.” His hospital room became a space of spiritual resilience, filled with Quranic recitations and visits from loved ones.

The prince’s story captivated millions, symbolizing hope and familial devotion. Following his passing, social media was flooded with tributes, reflecting widespread grief and prayers for his soul. Funeral prayers are scheduled for July 20, 2025, after Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, with mourning gatherings to continue for three days.

Source: African Publicity