Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely referred to as the “Sleeping Prince,” has died after spending more than 20 years in a coma caused by a tragic accident.

The tragic story of Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known across the Arab world as the "Sleeping Prince," has come to a heartbreaking end. This prominent member of the Saudi royal family passed away on July 19, 2025, at the age of 36, after spending nearly two decades in a coma following a devastating car accident. His journey touched millions, becoming a powerful symbol of unwavering parental love, deep faith, and enduring hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Born in April 1990 (some sources specify April 18), Prince Alwaleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a respected figure in the House of Saud. As part of one of the most influential families in Saudi Arabia, the young prince grew up with a promising future ahead. He was the nephew of renowned billionaire businessman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and a great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. From an early age, Alwaleed showed ambition, enrolling as a cadet in a prestigious military academy in London to prepare for a life of service and leadership.

However, everything changed in 2005 when, at just 15 years old, he was involved in a severe road accident in the UK. The crash caused critical brain injuries, including a major cerebral hemorrhage, along with serious internal damage. Despite immediate medical intervention and consultations with top specialists from the United States and Spain, the young prince fell into a deep coma. He was soon transferred back to Saudi Arabia, where he received ongoing care at the advanced King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, a specialized facility equipped to handle complex cases.

For the next 20 years, Prince Alwaleed remained in a minimally conscious or vegetative state, dependent on life support systems. Medical experts monitored him closely, but he never fully regained consciousness. Occasionally, there were faint signs of response—subtle movements like a finger twitch or slight reactions during family visits—that sparked fleeting moments of optimism. These rare instances kept the family's hopes alive and captured public attention, earning him the poignant nickname "Sleeping Prince" in media reports and social discussions throughout Saudi Arabia and beyond.

What made this story truly remarkable was the extraordinary dedication of his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal. In a display of profound parental devotion that resonated deeply with people worldwide, Prince Khaled refused multiple recommendations from doctors to discontinue life support. He firmly believed that only God holds the power over life and death, often stating that maintaining care was an act of patience and trust in divine will rather than interference. "Allah alone gives life and takes it," he would emphasize, drawing strength from his faith.

Over the years, Prince Khaled shared glimpses of his son's condition on social media, posting heartfelt updates and videos that humanized the royal family's private struggle. These clips often showed family members reciting verses from the Holy Quran beside Alwaleed's bed, and in some, he appeared to respond faintly—perhaps a slight head turn or hand movement. Such moments went viral, inspiring countless prayers and messages of support from ordinary citizens, religious leaders, and even strangers across the Middle East. The prince's hospital room transformed into a sanctuary of reflection, frequently visited by relatives, friends, and well-wishers who came to offer dua (prayers) for his recovery.

The "Sleeping Prince" phenomenon became more than just a personal tragedy; it evolved into a cultural touchstone in Saudi society. Discussions about medical ethics, the boundaries of prolonged life support, and the role of faith in healing emerged, but always with respect for the family's choices. False rumors occasionally circulated—such as claims earlier in 2025 that he had awakened—but these were quickly debunked by the royal family, who preferred privacy while appreciating public empathy.

On July 19, 2025, the Saudi Royal Court officially announced Prince Alwaleed's passing through the Saudi Press Agency. His father shared a poignant statement on X (formerly Twitter), quoting Quranic verses: "With hearts believing in Allah's will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son, Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away to Allah's mercy today." The message reflected the family's acceptance of God's plan while acknowledging their immense grief.

News of the death spread rapidly, triggering an outpouring of condolences from around the world. The hashtag #SleepingPrince trended on social media platforms, with users sharing tributes to the prince's long battle and praising his father's unyielding love. Organizations like the Global Imams Council extended formal sympathies to the royal family, highlighting Prince Khaled's patience as a testament to strong faith. Funeral prayers were held the following day, July 20, after Asr prayer at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, attended by numerous royals and dignitaries.

Prince Alwaleed's life, though cut short in many ways by the accident, left a lasting legacy. His story highlighted the human side of the Saudi royal family, often seen as distant and powerful, revealing vulnerability, resilience, and deep familial bonds. It reminded people of the fragility of life and the strength found in hope and spirituality. For many in Saudi Arabia, he represented patience during trials—a "sabir" (patient one) whose quiet endurance inspired reflection on themes of divine mercy and parental sacrifice.

In a region where family ties and religious conviction are central to daily life, the Sleeping Prince's journey struck a chord. Parents saw in Prince Khaled's vigilance a mirror of their own unconditional love, while others drew lessons on trusting in higher powers during hardship. Even international media covered the case extensively, noting it as one of the longest documented comas in recent history, underscoring advances in medical care that sustained him for so long.

As Saudi Arabia mourns this loss, the memory of Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal endures. His peaceful room, filled with prayers over two decades, now stands as a quiet testament to a father's endless devotion and a son's silent strength. May he rest in eternal peace, enveloped in the mercy he and his family so faithfully sought.

This heartbreaking tale of the Sleeping Prince serves as a reminder that behind royal titles lie profoundly human experiences of love, loss, and faith. The Saudi royal family's handling of this private sorrow with grace has earned widespread admiration, ensuring Prince Alwaleed's story will be remembered for generations.