Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, famously known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has died after spending more than 20 years in a coma, according to his family and media reports. He was 35 years old.
Prince Al Waleed, born in April 1990, was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a prominent member of the Saudi royal family and nephew to billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal. In 2005, at age 15, the prince suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car accident while studying as a military cadet in London. Despite care from leading medical specialists in the U.S. and Spain, he never recovered consciousness and remained in a minimally responsive state for over two decades.
Throughout his long battle, Prince Al Waleed’s father, Prince Khaled, refused calls to withdraw life support, expressing unwavering faith that his son could one day recover. The family frequently shared videos on social media showing his rare, slight reactions to Quranic recitations, which inspired both hope and widespread sympathy among the Saudi public and beyond.
News of his passing in a specialised medical facility in Saudi Arabia has led to a national outpouring of condolences. The hashtag #SleepingPrince trended on social media, with thousands remembering him as a symbol of patience, faith, and a family’s enduring love. The prince’s hospital room became a place of spiritual reflection, drawing visitors who offered prayers over the years.
Prince Al Waleed’s life story highlighted both the advances and limits of modern medicine, as well as the power of faith and family devotion in the face of tragedy. His passing closes a chapter that touched many in Saudi Arabia and around the world.
