The world has been struck with sorrow following the recent passing of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, affectionately known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince.” The 36-year-old royal, who spent nearly two decades in a coma after a tragic car accident, left behind a legacy of resilience, hope, and unwavering familial devotion. His death, announced on July 19, 2025, has plunged his family and the nation into a period of deep mourning, while also sparking reflections on life, faith, and the human spirit.
A Life Interrupted
Prince Al-Waleed’s journey took an abrupt turn in 2005 when he was just 15 years old. While studying at a military college in London, he was involved in a devastating car accident that resulted in severe brain injuries and internal bleeding. The incident left him in a coma, a state from which he never fully recovered. Transported to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the young prince was placed on life support, where he remained for the next 20 years. Despite the best efforts of medical specialists from around the world, including teams from the United States, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, his condition remained unchanged, a testament to the fragility of life and the limits of modern medicine.
Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a prominent member of the Saudi royal family, and a nephew of billionaire investor Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. His lineage traced back to King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, marking him as part of a storied dynasty. Yet, it was not his royal heritage but his prolonged struggle that earned him the moniker “Sleeping Prince,” a title that resonated deeply with people across the Arab world and beyond.
A Father’s Unwavering Devotion
The story of Prince Al-Waleed’s life is inseparable from the dedication of his father, Prince Khaled. Refusing to accept the advice of doctors in 2015 to withdraw life support, Prince Khaled clung to hope, believing that only divine will would determine his son’s fate. For two decades, he turned his palace into a sanctuary of prayer, often sharing emotional updates and Quranic recitations on social media. Videos of the prince showing minor movements—such as lifting his fingers or hands—circulated widely, offering fleeting glimpses of hope to millions who followed his story.
Prince Khaled’s commitment went beyond mere hope; it was a public display of faith and love. He decorated his son’s hospital room for holidays like Ramadan, Eid, and Saudi National Day, ensuring that the “Sleeping Prince” remained a part of family celebrations. These acts of devotion touched the hearts of many, turning Prince Al-Waleed’s plight into a symbol of perseverance and parental sacrifice. The bond between father and son became a source of inspiration, drawing visitors—royals, commoners, and religious figures alike—to pray alongside the family at the hospital.
A Nation in Mourning
The announcement of Prince Al-Waleed’s death came through an emotional post on X by his father, who wrote, “With hearts believing in Allah’s 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 news triggered an outpouring of grief across Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab world. Social media platforms were flooded with condolences, with the hashtag “Sleeping Prince” trending as people expressed their sympathy and shared memories of his extraordinary story.
Funeral prayers were scheduled for Sunday, July 20, 2025, following the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, with separate arrangements for women at King Faisal Specialist Hospital. The royal palace opened its doors to mourners for three days, welcoming men in the Al-Fakhriyah district and women after Maghrib prayer, reflecting the cultural and religious customs of bereavement in Saudi society. The global community, including the Global Imams Council, extended heartfelt condolences to the Saudi royal family, recognizing the prince’s story as a universal tale of human endurance.
A Legacy of Hope and Resilience
Prince Al-Waleed’s life, though tragically cut short by circumstance, left an indelible mark on those who followed his journey. His 20-year coma became a symbol of hope for many, a reminder that even in the face of insurmountable odds, faith and love can endure. The occasional signs of movement—captured in videos that went viral in 2019 and 2020—sparked rumors of recovery, though these hopes were never realized. False claims of him emerging from his coma earlier this year were quickly debunked by the royal family, underscoring the authenticity of the family’s struggle.
His story also highlighted the intersection of modern medicine and traditional beliefs. While medical experts could do little to reverse his condition, the decision to maintain life support reflected a deeply held conviction that life’s duration is in God’s hands—a belief shared by many in the Muslim world. This stance invited both admiration and debate, with some viewing it as a profound act of faith, while others questioned the ethics of prolonged care.
Reflections on Loss and Legacy
The passing of the “Sleeping Prince” invites reflection on the nature of loss and legacy. For his family, particularly his father, the grief is palpable after two decades of steadfast care. For the public, his death marks the end of a narrative that blended tragedy with inspiration. Prince Al-Waleed’s life was not defined by the accident alone but by the love and prayers that surrounded him, transforming a personal tragedy into a collective experience of mourning and hope.
This moment also prompts broader questions about how society remembers those who live on the edges of consciousness. Unlike leaders or public figures known for their achievements, Prince Al-Waleed’s legacy is one of quiet endurance, sustained by the devotion of those around him. His story challenges us to reconsider what it means to live and to leave a mark, suggesting that even a life spent in stillness can resonate deeply.
A Global Outpouring of Sympathy
The response to Prince Al-Waleed’s death has transcended borders, with messages of condolence pouring in from across the globe. On X and other platforms, users have shared sentiments ranging from personal tributes—“May Prince Al-Waleed rest in peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones”—to reflections on his impact—“Your time on earth was a blessing to your family and the world in general.” This global empathy underscores the universal appeal of his story, bridging cultural and religious divides.
In Saudi Arabia, the loss is felt as a national bereavement. The prince’s connection to the royal family and his father’s public journey with him made his story a shared one. As the nation observes mourning rituals, the focus remains on honoring his memory and supporting the grieving family, particularly Prince Khaled, whose strength has been a cornerstone of this saga.
The death of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud closes a chapter that captivated the world for two decades. Known as the “Sleeping Prince,” he became a symbol of hope, faith, and familial love, his life sustained by the unwavering devotion of his father and the prayers of millions. As Saudi Arabia and the global community mourn his passing, his legacy endures—not in grand deeds, but in the quiet strength he inspired. May his soul find peace, and may his family find solace in the love that surrounded him throughout his long journey.
