Saudi ‘Sleeping Prince’ Al Waleed passes away after 20 years in coma

A wave of sorrow swept across social media following the official announcement of the death of “The Sleeping Prince”, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud, at the age of 36. He had spent 20 of those years in a coma after a tragic car accident in 2005, which left him unconscious ever since.

Prince Khalid Bin Talal mourned his son on his account on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]. Enter among My [righteous] servants and enter My Paradise.”

He added: “With hearts that believe in God’s will and decree, and with deep sadness and sorrow, we mourn our beloved son, Prince Al-Waleed Bin Khalid Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, who passed away today.”

Prince Khalid announced that the funeral prayer will be held on Sunday, with mourning gatherings to continue for three days: Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.

After the news of the prince’s death broke, social media was filled with condolences. Users shared prayers and messages of sympathy with the family, asking God to have mercy on the late prince.

Over the years, the emotional story of “The Sleeping Prince” continued to captivate the public, especially amid repeated rumors about his possible death or signs of waking.

The late prince suffered a devastating car accident in 2005 while he was studying at a military college. The incident left him in a coma and earned him the nickname “The Sleeping Prince.”

Despite numerous intensive medical efforts, including visits from international doctors – a team of American specialists and a Spanish neurologist – no significant improvement in his condition was ever achieved.

His family never lost hope, with his father often sharing images by his son’s bedside to reassure loved ones and supporters of his son’s condition.

There were moments that renewed hope. In 2019, Princess Rima bint Talal posted a video showing the prince moving his head from right to left, writing:

“The Almighty, the Merciful... Al-Waleed bin Khalid is moving his head from side to side. Praise and thanks be to You, O Lord.”

In April this year, Prince Al-Waleed’s name trended again across social platforms after Princess Rima posted another photo of him, reigniting the story of faith, patience, and endurance.

Princess Rima bint Talal, sister of Prince Khalid, shared a touching message on her official account:

“My beloved Al-Waleed bin Khalid, twenty-one years and you are always present in our hearts and in the prayers of your loved ones. O Allah, heal Your servant Al-Waleed – only You know his weakness, O Lord of the heavens and the earth.”

Just months ago, Prince Khalid announced medical developments after doctors noticed swelling in the prince’s glands on both sides, prompting further tests.

In 2020, after 15 years in a coma, Al-Waleed moved his hand — a moment that once again sparked hope among family and supporters.

Since falling into a coma in 2005, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal became a symbol of patience and deep faith in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Two decades passed, yet his story remained alive in the hearts of the Saudi people — a lasting symbol of hope and resilience.