Farewell to the “Sleeping Prince”: Saudi Royal Dies After 20 Years in Coma
After two decades of silent struggle, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud — known to many around the world as the “Sleeping Prince” — has passed away, closing a chapter marked by heartbreak, resilience, and unshakable love.
audi ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies
Prince Al-Waleed’s tragic journey began in 2005, when he was just 15 years old. A bright and promising young man, he was studying as a military cadet in London, with a future seemingly paved in royal legacy and service. However, fate took a devastating turn when he was involved in a severe car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain hemorrhage and internal bleeding.
Despite rapid medical intervention, the extent of his injuries placed him in a permanent coma — one that would last for the remaining 20 years of his life.
Shortly after the accident, Prince Al-Waleed was transported to Saudi Arabia, where he was admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. There, he remained in long-term care, sustained by life support as his family clung to hope. Though he occasionally exhibited subtle physical reactions — a hand movement, a flicker of the eyes — he never regained full consciousness.
The prince’s father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, became a symbol of unwavering hope and devotion. Refusing all suggestions to end life-sustaining care, Prince Khaled stood by his son every step of the way, visiting regularly, praying beside him, and encouraging others to do the same. He was often seen with Prince Al-Waleed’s younger brothers, Prince Saud and Prince Mohammed, nurturing a sense of unity, faith, and familial love through unthinkable circumstances.
On July 14, 2025, Prince Khaled shared the heart-wrenching news of his son’s passing through a deeply emotional message on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “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.”
The announcement sparked an immediate and widespread reaction across social media, with tributes pouring in under the hashtag #SleepingPrince. Messages of sympathy and remembrance came from across the globe — from royals, citizens, public figures, and ordinary people who had followed his story over the years. Many described the prince’s long battle as one of quiet dignity and reflected on the strength and love shown by his family.
“May Prince Al-Waleed rest in peace,” one user wrote. “His story broke hearts, but it also showed the world the meaning of love, loyalty, and faith. Deepest condolences to the family.”
Prince Al-Waleed’s funeral is set to take place at the historic Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, where thousands are expected to gather in prayer and remembrance. The ceremony will be more than just a farewell — it will be a collective tribute to a life cut short, but never forgotten.
Though Prince Al-Waleed never had the opportunity to live out his full potential, his story left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. It reminded the world of the fragility of life, the strength of familial bonds, and the power of hope — even in the face of the impossible.
As Saudi Arabia mourns the loss of one of its own, the legacy of the “Sleeping Prince” endures — a solemn testament to the human spirit, the depth of a father’s love, and the preciousness of life.
Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the Al Saud family during this time of profound grief.
Though his body remained still for two decades, Prince Al-Waleed’s life was far from silent. His journey, watched closely not just in Saudi Arabia but around the world, became a symbol of patience, unwavering faith, and the complex intersection of medicine, hope, and humanity.
Over the years, his hospital room transformed into something much more than a clinical space. It became a sanctuary — a place where loved ones gathered, prayers were whispered, and moments of hope flickered like candlelight. Videos shared periodically by his father and family members, showing slight movements from the prince or silent visits filled with tenderness, would often go viral, reigniting global interest in the young royal’s condition. These moments reminded viewers that even in the stillest life, there can be profound meaning.
For Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, these 20 years were not simply years of waiting — they were years of fighting for his son’s dignity, care, and the possibility of a miracle. His devotion inspired not only members of his own nation but also millions worldwide who were moved by the depth of his love. To many, Prince Khaled came to represent the embodiment of a father’s faith, choosing compassion and perseverance over resignation. His refusal to let go resonated especially with families caring for long-term patients, making the “Sleeping Prince” not just a royal figure but a symbol of their own struggles and endurance.
As the news of Prince Al-Waleed’s passing spread, it was not just the loss of a young life that people mourned — it was the end of a story that had come to mean so much to so many. The quiet presence of the prince had, over time, become a deeply personal part of public consciousness. Many who had never met him felt as though they had, having followed his story for years, offered prayers, or shed tears over his condition.
In the days following his death, scholars and public figures reflected on the spiritual lessons that could be drawn from his life. Some spoke of sabr (patience) — a virtue emphasized heavily in Islam — and how the Prince’s long sleep was a reminder of the divine tests that life may place upon us. Others highlighted the role of the family, particularly the father, in modeling unconditional love, loyalty, and steadfastness in times of suffering. These were lessons not confined to royal families or grand palaces — they were universal, touching the hearts of everyday people facing quiet battles behind closed doors.
The funeral, expected to be attended by thousands, will serve not only as a farewell but as a national moment of reflection. At Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, known for hosting significant royal funerals, mourners will offer their final prayers, and the kingdom will pay tribute to a prince whose voice was never heard but whose story echoed across borders.
In the wake of his passing, tributes continue to pour in — not only from dignitaries and leaders but from citizens who, through years of silent solidarity, had grown to feel like a part of his extended family. Some shared personal stories of how following the prince’s journey strengthened their own faith or helped them endure the long illnesses of loved ones. Others posted artworks, poems, or reflections dedicated to “Al-Amir Al-Naa’im” — the Sleeping Prince.
In an age when life moves quickly and attention spans are fleeting, Prince Al-Waleed’s life reminds us of the quiet power of perseverance, the sacredness of care, and the nobility that exists not just in bloodlines, but in unwavering compassion.
Now at rest, Prince Al-Waleed’s long sleep has ended — and with it, a chapter of royal history defined not by power or politics, but by humanity.
May he be granted the highest place in Paradise, and may his story continue to inspire love, devotion, and faith for generations to come.
