For two decades, he was known across Saudi Arabia and beyond as the “Sleeping Prince” — a young royal whose life remained suspended between hope and heartbreak after a devastating accident. Now, that extraordinary journey has come to an end.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud has passed away at the age of 36 after spending more than 20 years in a coma following a tragic car accident that changed his life forever.
A Tragic Turning Point
Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family and the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud. Friends and relatives affectionately called him “Dede,” and he was known as a bright young man with a promising future ahead of him.
That future was dramatically altered in 2005.
At just 15 years old, while studying at a military academy in London, Prince Al-Waleed was involved in a serious traffic accident. The crash left him with severe brain trauma and extensive internal injuries.
Following emergency treatment, he was transported back to Saudi Arabia and admitted to a specialized medical facility in Riyadh, where he would remain for the next two decades.
Despite intensive medical care, the prince never regained full consciousness.
A Father Who Never Lost Hope
While many families might have eventually accepted the medical prognosis, Prince Khaled remained steadfast in his belief that his son could recover.
Year after year, he refused to remove life support, holding onto faith that one day his son would awaken.
Throughout the years, the prince’s hospital room became more than a medical space. Family members decorated it during religious holidays, celebrated important occasions by his bedside, and continued treating him as an active part of their lives.
Images and videos occasionally shared by the family showed a room filled with prayers, flowers, and reminders that Prince Al-Waleed remained deeply loved.
His father frequently updated supporters on his condition, expressing gratitude for the prayers and encouragement received from people around the world.
The young royal’s story touched countless lives, turning him into a symbol of perseverance, faith, and unconditional parental devotion.
A Nation Watches and Waits
As the years passed, the “Sleeping Prince” became a widely recognized figure throughout the Middle East.
Many people followed updates on his health, while visitors regularly came to offer prayers and support.
Although there were occasional reports of small movements that inspired renewed hope among family members and supporters, meaningful recovery never came.
Still, his family continued to stand by him.
For twenty years, his hospital room became a place where hope and heartbreak coexisted — a reminder of both modern medicine’s limits and a family’s unwavering commitment.
The Final Farewell
On July 19, 2025, Prince Khaled announced the heartbreaking news that his son had passed away.
Sharing a black-and-white photograph of Prince Al-Waleed resting peacefully in his hospital bed, the grieving father confirmed that the long chapter of waiting had come to an end.
In a statement shared publicly, he expressed deep sorrow while placing his trust in God’s will and mercy.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of condolences from across Saudi Arabia and beyond, with many people reflecting on the prince’s remarkable story and the extraordinary dedication shown by his family.
Funeral prayers were held the following day, attended by relatives, friends, and members of the public who wished to pay their respects.
More Than a Royal Figure
Although Prince Al-Waleed spent most of his life away from public view after the accident, his story resonated with millions.
For many, he became more than a member of the royal family. He represented hope in the face of impossible odds, the power of faith during uncertainty, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child.
His father’s unwavering presence throughout those twenty years became an equally powerful part of the story, inspiring people around the world who followed the family’s journey.
While his life was marked by tragedy, it was also marked by extraordinary love and devotion.
Today, many remember Prince Al-Waleed not for the accident that left him unconscious, but for the resilience, compassion, and hope that surrounded him throughout his life.
After two decades of silence, the Sleeping Prince has finally found peace.
Rest in peace, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud.
