Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has died at the age of 36. He spent nearly two decades in a coma following a car crash in London in 2005.
Born in April 1990, Prince Al Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud and the nephew of billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal.
At 15, he was studying at a military college in the UK when the accident occurred. The crash caused severe brain injuries and internal bleeding.
Years of treatment and minimal progress
Doctors from the United States and Spain treated him soon after the accident. However, he never regained full consciousness. He was later moved to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he stayed under constant medical care.
From time to time, videos showed minor movement, such as a slight lift of his fingers. These signs gave his family brief moments of hope. He refused to end life support and remained hopeful about recovery.
Public reaction and funeral plans
Prince Khaled announced his son’s passing and expressed sorrow in a statement:
“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 shared condolences. They extended sympathy to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Royal Family, noting the prince’s long battle after the crash.
Funeral prayers will take place on Sunday, 20 July, after the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
