Riyadh, July 19, 2025 —
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, affectionately known as the “Sleeping Prince” of Saudi Arabia, has passed away after spending nearly two decades in a coma. He was 36 years old.
The sad news was confirmed by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, in an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter). Sharing a Quranic verse, he wrote:
“O reassured soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him], and enter among My righteous servants, and enter My Paradise.”
With heartfelt sorrow, he added:
“We mourn our beloved son, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. May Allah have mercy on him.”
Funeral and Condolences Schedule
The funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed will be held on Sunday, July 20:
- For men: At *Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, Riyadh, after *Asr prayer
- For women: At *King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, after *Dhuhr prayer
Condolences will be received for three days:
- Men: At Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Palace, Al-Fakhriyah district
- Women: At *Al-Fakhriyah Palace, previously the home of *Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz
The Story of the Sleeping Prince
Prince Al-Waleed slipped into a coma in 2005 after suffering a traumatic brain hemorrhage. The incident occurred following a car crash in London, where he was studying at a military college.
Since the accident, the prince remained under constant medical care at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. His condition required life support and round-the-clock supervision.
Over the years, international medical experts, including neurologists from the United States and Spain, were consulted. Despite several attempts, the prince never regained consciousness.
A Father’s Undying Hope
Prince Khaled bin Talal stood firm in his decision to continue life support for his son. He often expressed his faith in God’s will, stating that only Allah could decide the moment of death.
In rare instances, the prince exhibited minor physical reactions, offering faint glimmers of hope to his loved ones. Yet, his condition remained unchanged until his peaceful passing on July 19.
A Nation in Mourning
News of Prince Al-Waleed’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Saudi Arabia and the Arab world. Tributes continue to flood in on social media, where many have expressed condolences and praised the family’s resilience.
His legacy, though silent, has left a deep emotional imprint on the hearts of millions who followed his story over the years.