Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as the “Sleeping Prince”, has passed away at the age of 36 after spending nearly two decades in a coma. The Saudi royal fell into a coma in 2005 following a devastating car accident in London and never regained consciousness.
At the time of the accident, Al-Waleed was still a teenager. He suffered severe brain trauma and internal bleeding, requiring urgent medical intervention. Although he survived the initial injuries, the damage was irreversible. For the last 20 years, he was kept alive on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Saudi Arabia.
Due to his prolonged coma, the public affectionately referred to him as the “Sleeping Prince.” After two decades of silent struggle, his family confirmed his passing on July 19, 2025.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, shared the heartbreaking news in a public statement: “With hearts believing in Allah will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son: Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away today.”
The last recorded movement from Prince Al-Waleed occurred in 2019, when he reportedly raised his finger and slightly moved his head.
As news outlets reported at the time: “He showed signs of limited awareness through small gestures, such as lifting a finger or slightly moving his head—though these moments did not indicate a return to full consciousness.”
Following his passing, thousands took to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to the prince’s long and courageous journey.
The Global Imams Council issued an official message of sympathy:
“The Global Imams Council extends its heartfelt condolences and deep sympathy to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the esteemed royal family on the passing of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who died following a tragic accident and a nearly twenty-year-long struggle.”
According to official reports, Prince Al-Waleed’s funeral prayer will be held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.