Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away at the age of 36 — bringing an end to a 20-year medical struggle that began after a car accident in London in 2005.
The royal, who was studying at a military college in the UK at the time of the crash, suffered a brain haemorrhage and slipped into a coma that would last two decades. Despite several international consultations and moments of slight physical response, he never regained consciousness.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, confirmed his son’s death on Saturday in an emotional post on social media.
“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,” he wrote on X.
Prince Al-Waleed had been under constant medical supervision at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he was transferred shortly after the crash. Despite several calls over the years to withdraw life support, his father remained firm in keeping his son on ventilator support, citing faith and hope.
The Prince’s condition had drawn public sympathy in Saudi Arabia and beyond, with many closely following the rare updates on his health, including minimal movements that briefly sparked hope of recovery.
He was known by many as the “Sleeping Prince,” a nickname that reflected both the mystery and the sorrow surrounding his prolonged unconsciousness.
