Saudi “Sleeping Prince” Dies at 36 After 20 Years in Coma
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has died at 36 after spending two decades in a coma following a car accident at age 15.
In 2005, while studying in London, the young royal suffered severe brain injuries in a crash. He was flown back to Saudi Arabia and remained in a coma at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh.
Despite his condition, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, never gave up hope, maintaining a vigil and transforming his hospital room into a space of love and faith through every holiday. His resilience drew visitors from across the country, turning the prince’s bedside into a place of national reflection.
On July 19, 2025, the prince passed away. His father announced the news with a heartfelt message, honoring his son’s memory. A prayer service was held the next day with royal family members and citizens paying their respects.