Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” died at the age of 36 on July 20, 2025, after spending nearly two decades in a coma. His family confirmed the news on social media, bringing an end to a heartbreaking chapter that garnered worldwide attention.
The prince fell into a vegetative state at the age of 15 following a car accident in London in 2005 that resulted in a severe brain haemorrhage. Despite years of medical care at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh and consultations with specialists, he never regained consciousness. His story became a symbol of hope and resilience for many people in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Prince Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the father of Prince Al-Waleed, shared the news online along with a Quranic verse: “O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]. Enter among My [righteous] servants and enter My Paradise.” He expressed his profound sadness by stating, “With hearts that believe in God’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow, we mourn our beloved son, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, who passed away today.”
{يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ، ارْجِعِي إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً، فَادْخُلِي فِي عِبَادِي، وَادْخُلِي جَنَّتِي}
بقلوب مؤمنة بقضاء الله وقدره وببالغ الحزن والأسى ننعى إبننا الغالي
الأمير الوليد بن خالد بن طلال بن عبدالعزيز آل سعود رحمه الله
الذي انتقل… pic.twitter.com/QQBbMWGOOG
— خالد بن طلال بن عبد العزيز ( أبو الوليد ) (@allah_cure_dede) July 19, 2025The family has announced funeral prayers for Sunday, July 21, 2025, with mourning gatherings held from Sunday to Tuesday in honour of the deceased.
Background on the Accident and Coma
Al-Waleed, a military college student, suffered an accident in London at the age of 15. A brain haemorrhage left him in a coma and on a ventilator. His family provided constant care for him in Riyadh and shared occasional updates that inspired hope. Despite receiving advanced treatments, he remained unresponsive.
In April 2025, a viral video falsely claimed that he had awoken after 20 years, using old footage. Authorities promptly debunked this claim.
Al-Waleed’s story touched millions, symbolising endurance. His family’s devotion and public sharing kept his memory alive, raising awareness about coma care.
