The ‘Sleeping Prince’ is Dead: Al-Waleed bin Khalid Dies After 20 Years in a Coma

Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” Al-Waleed bin Khalid, has died after spending 20 years in a coma. Millions across the Arab world are mourning a figure that had quietly come to symbolize hope, faith, and unwavering family devotion.

G.Business reports, citing People Magazine, that Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud passed away at the age of 36. His death was announced in the evening of July 19, 2025, by his father, Prince Khalid bin Talal — a prominent member of the House of Saud — via a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“With hearts that believe in Allah’s will and destiny, and with deep sorrow and pain, we mourn the loss of our beloved son,” wrote Khalid bin Talal (translated from Arabic).

Al-Waleed was the nephew of billionaire investor Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential royals with holdings in companies like Citigroup, Twitter, and the Four Seasons hotel group.

Background: Who Was Al-Waleed bin Khalid

Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed lived a relatively quiet youth until a tragic event changed the course of his life.

In 2005, at just 15 years old, he was participating in a military training program in London — reportedly at a prestigious military academy for future officers. During that time, he was involved in a devastating car accident that left him with severe traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding. He received emergency medical attention but fell into a deep coma, from which he never fully recovered.

Medical reports later confirmed extensive brain damage. Doctors offered little hope of recovery. However, his family — especially his father — decided against withdrawing life support. Instead, Al-Waleed was transferred to the renowned King Abdulaziz Medical City Hospital in Riyadh, where he remained under continuous care until his death.

Between Hope and Reality: Two Decades Suspended in Time

Over the past 20 years, Al-Waleed evolved into a symbolic figure in Saudi society — representing faith, patience, and the sanctity of life. His father often shared videos and photos from the prince’s hospital room, especially during religious holidays or family occasions.

These moments included footage of the family praying beside him, decorating the room, or speaking to the “Sleeping Prince.” Some of the most emotionally charged clips showed faint hand or finger movements — gestures interpreted by loved ones as possible signs of awakening.

Many of these posts went viral, especially across the Arab-speaking world, where the prince’s story became a quiet reminder of the value of life — even in the absence of consciousness.

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