Who was Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled AKA Sleeping Prince? Saudi Royal dies after 20 years in a coma

Time of India

3 days ago

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, famously known as the Sleeping Prince, has sadly passed away on Saturday, 19 July 2025, after remaining in a coma for 20 years. The Saudi royal was just 36 years old at the time of his death. His tragic story has captured attention not only in Saudi Arabia but around the world.
Born in 1990, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud and the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. His life took a devastating turn in 2005 when he was met with a serious car accident at the age of 15 in London. At the time, he was training as a military cadet. The accident caused severe brain injuries and internal bleeding, which left him in a coma for two decades.
Why Was He Called the Sleeping Prince?
Due to his long-term coma, the Saudi royal was often referred to as the Sleeping Prince. Despite his condition, his family held on to hope. Occasionally, they reported subtle physical responses like finger or hand movements, which they believed were signs of improvement. His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, frequently shared videos of these small gestures on social media, keeping his son's story alive.
Medical Care and Family's Efforts for Recovery
After the accident, Prince Al-Waleed was flown to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he was placed on a ventilator. His family went to great lengths by inviting international medical experts to assess his condition and attempt recovery. However, despite advanced treatment and constant care, the Sleeping Prince never regained full consciousness.
Announcement of His Passing and Family's Tribute
Prince Khaled bin Talal, the father of the late Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, announced his son's death on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, "With hearts full of faith in Allah's decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, we mourn our beloved son Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him."
The message reflected the family's emotional journey and their unshaken faith during these past 20 years.
Funeral Arrangements in Saudi Arabia
{يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ، ارْجِعِي إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً، فَادْخُلِي فِي عِبَادِي، وَادْخُلِي جَنَّتِي}بقلوب مؤمنة بقضاء الله وقدره وببالغ الحزن والأسى ننعى إبننا الغاليالأمير الوليد بن خالد بن طلال بن عبدالعزيز آل سعود رحمه اللهالذي انتقل… pic.twitter.com/QQBbMWGOOG
According to reports from Khaleej Times, the funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled are set for Sunday, 20 July 2025, and will be held separately for men and women:
Men's prayers will be held after Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
Women's prayers will take place after Dhuhr prayer at King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
Condolences will be accepted for three days, from 20 July to 22 July. Male mourners can visit Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's palace in the Al-Fakhriyah district, while female mourners are welcome after Maghrib prayer.
The Legacy of the Sleeping Prince
Despite being in a coma for two decades, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled remained a symbol of hope and resilience in Saudi Arabia. His story brought attention to the power of faith, medical science, and the bond between family members in the face of tragedy. His passing marks the end of a deeply emotional chapter for the Saudi royal family.
FAQ:
Q. Who was Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal?
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, also known as the Sleeping Prince, was a Saudi royal and the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. He remained in a coma for 20 years following a car accident in 2005.
Q. Why was he called the Sleeping Prince?
He was called the Sleeping Prince because he spent two decades in a coma after a serious car accident in London. His family reported slight physical movements over the years, which gave them hope that he might recover.
Q. How did Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled fall into a coma?
In 2005, Prince Al-Waleed was met with a serious car accident while training as a military cadet in London. He suffered a major brain injury and internal bleeding, which left him unresponsive and in a coma for 20 years.
Q. When did Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled die and how old was he?
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled passed away on Saturday, 19 July 2025, at the age of 36. He had spent the last 20 years on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Q. When and where were Prince Al-Waleed's funeral prayers held?
The funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled took place on Sunday, 20 July 2025.
For men: After Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh
For women: After Dhuhr prayer at King Faisal Specialist Hospital
Condolences were accepted from 20 to 22 July.
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