Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince' Al Waleed bin Khaled passes away after 20 years in coma

Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known as the "Sleeping Prince," has passed away at the age of 36 after remaining in a coma for more than two decades, reports Gulf News.

The Saudi Royal Court confirmed his death yesterday (19 July).

Born in April 1990, Prince Al Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud and a nephew of billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal.

In 2005, at the age of just 15, while studying as a military cadet in London, he was involved in a severe car accident that resulted in traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding.

Despite extensive medical interventions from top physicians in the United States and Spain, the prince never fully regained consciousness.

Throughout the years, Prince Al Waleed remained in a largely unresponsive state, though family-shared videos of his occasional involuntary movements offered moments of hope and emotional resonance for many.

His father, Prince Khaled, consistently rejected calls to withdraw life support, expressing unwavering faith in divine healing.

In an emotional post on X, Prince Khaled 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."

News of the prince's death quickly spread across Saudi Arabia and beyond, prompting an outpouring of tributes. The hashtag #SleepingPrince trended on social media as thousands expressed their condolences, praising the family's faith and devotion.