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The Saudi Royal Court announced on Saturday the death of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” after spending 20 years in a coma.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a member of the Saudi ruling family, and nephew of billionaire businessman Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, has died at the age of 35.
The prince had been in a coma since being admitted to the hospital following a car accident in 2005, when he was 15 years old.
The Saudi Royal Family confirmed the death of “Sleeping Prince” Al Waleed bin Khaled through a post shared by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, on X, expressing “profound sadness and sorrow” over the prince’s passing. The post also stated that his funeral will take place in Riyadh on Sunday.
The mourning period will be held for three days (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday).
Men’s condolences will be at Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal’s palace in Al-Fakhriyah, while women’s condolences will be held at Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz’s residence in the same district.
Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as the "Sleeping Prince," because he fell into a coma after suffering a brain hemorrhage caused by a car accident while he was a cadet at a military college.
His condition left him unconscious for over 20 years, during which he remained under constant medical care.
Throughout those years, Prince Al-Waleed became a widely followed public figure in Saudi Arabia, seen as both a rare medical case and a deeply moving humanitarian story.
His family and the public closely monitored any signs of movement, and in 2019, videos shared by his relatives showing him slightly moving his head and left arm sparked renewed hope—although he never fully regained consciousness.
Earlier this year, false reports circulated claiming he had woken up, but the Saudi royal family denied the rumors. His death was officially confirmed on Saturday.
The family remained steadfast in their hope for his recovery, regularly sharing photos of him alongside prayers for his speedy healing.
The story of the "Sleeping Prince" garnered widespread attention across Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, due in part to his unique medical condition and his family’s steadfast commitment, particularly from his father, Prince Khaled, who insisted on continuing his treatment over the years.
Prince Khaled bin Talal has spoken on several occasions about his unwavering commitment to keeping his son, Prince Al-Waleed, on life support despite medical advice and the passage of time.
He revealed that doctors initially told him Prince Al-Waleed’s body would begin to deteriorate within a week and recommended withdrawing life support. However, Prince Khaled refused, holding firmly to his faith that as long as his son’s heart continued to beat, there was still hope for recovery.
According to CNN Al Arabiya, Prince Khaled once said, “If God had willed to take his life in the accident, he would have been in his grave by now,” adding, “The One who has preserved his soul all these years is capable of healing and restoring him.”
The “Sleeping Prince” had previously shown slight movements of his body. In 2019, his aunt, Princess Reema bint Talal—sister of Prince and Saudi billionaire Al-Waleed bin Talal—shared a video showing him moving his head from right to left.
Over the years, he became a symbol of hope and endurance, with many across the Arab world keeping him in their prayers and wishing for his recovery.
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