'Sleeping Prince' of Saudi Arabia passes away at 36 after spending 20 years in coma

'Sleeping Prince' of Saudi Arabia passes away at 36 after spending 20 years in coma

FP News Desk July 20, 2025, 19:52:59 IST

Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud suffered severe brain injuries and internal bleeding in a tragic road accident at the age of 15 while studying at a military college in the UK

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Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as the “Sleeping Prince” of Saudi Arabia, passed away at 36, nearly two decades after a 2005 car accident in London left him in a coma.

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

At 15, while studying at a military college in the UK, he suffered severe brain injuries and internal bleeding in a tragic road accident.

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Despite urgent medical efforts, including care from specialised physicians from the United States and Spain, he never regained full consciousness.

He was transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained on life support for nearly 20 years.

His father, Prince Khaled, steadfastly rejected suggestions to withdraw life support, holding onto hope for a miracle.

The prince, dubbed the “Sleeping Prince,” occasionally showed minimal movements, such as slight finger lifts, which were shared in rare videos online, sparking fleeting hope among his family and supporters.

Prince Khaled confirmed his son’s death, stating: “With hearts full of faith in Allah’s decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, 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 to Allah’s mercy today.”

The Global Imams Council also expressed condolences: “The Global Imams Council extends its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to… His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the esteemed Royal Family, on the passing of Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who passed away after a long struggle that lasted nearly twenty years following a tragic accident.”

Funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, July 20, after the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.

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