Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, known around the world as the "Sleeping Prince," has passed away at the age of 36. The Royal Court announced his death on Saturday, July 19, 2025, marking the end of a nearly two-decade-long vigil after a tragic car accident left him in a coma.
In 2005, at the age of 18, Prince Al-Waleed was a student at a military college when he was involved in a severe car crash in London. He sustained a traumatic brain injury and has been in a coma ever since, cared for at a specialized hospital in Riyadh.
Throughout his long illness, his family, particularly his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, and his mother, Princess Mona Riad El Solh, held onto hope for his recovery. They steadfastly refused to remove his life support, and his father often shared updates and photos of his son, which garnered widespread sympathy and support from the public in Saudi Arabia and beyond. There were occasional reports of minor physical movements, which fueled the family's and the public's hopes, but the prince never regained full consciousness.
The story of the "Sleeping Prince" became a poignant symbol of faith, love, and perseverance in the face of immense personal tragedy. His family's unwavering devotion was a source of inspiration for many.
Funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed were held on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, with members of the royal family and the public in attendance. He was laid to rest in the Al Oud cemetery. The family will be receiving condolences at their home in Riyadh.
