What Happened to Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince'? Royal Dies After 20 Years in Coma

After spending nearly two decades in a coma, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud — widely known as Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince' — has died at the age of 36. His passing was announced by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, bringing a heartbreaking close to a chapter that has captivated the public for years across the Arab world and beyond.

A Royal Legacy Interrupted Too Soon

Prince Al-Waleed was born on 18 April 1990, the firstborn son of Prince Khaled and the nephew of billionaire businessman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. As the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern-day Saudi Arabia, he was part of one of the kingdom's most prominent royal lineages.

At just 15, the prince had begun preparing for a career in military service, enrolling at a college in London to pursue his studies. But his future was cut short in 2005, when a devastating road accident in the UK left him with severe head trauma and internal injuries. He was flown back to Riyadh and placed on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City, where he remained for the rest of his life.

Two Decades of Vigil and Hope

Despite being unresponsive and showing limited brain activity, Prince Al-Waleed was kept on a ventilator and feeding tube for almost 20 years. His father, unwavering in his belief that recovery was possible, refused repeated medical suggestions to withdraw life-sustaining treatment.

In 2020, a clip that showed the prince slightly moving his hand in reaction to a woman's voice ignited renewed hope. In the video, she says: 'Hi, Didi, hello, let me see, hi,' and the prince appears to lift his fingers in response. Encouraged, the woman continues: 'One more, one more, higher, higher,' and the prince raises his hand again — a fleeting moment that was widely shared and celebrated online.

Faith, Misinformation and Global Curiosity

Over time, Prince Al-Waleed's condition drew international attention, turning his hospital room into a place of spiritual reflection and solidarity. Visitors often came to pray for him, and social media kept his story alive with photos, messages, and videos shared over the years.

In April 2025, a video wrongly claiming that he had woken up went viral but was quickly debunked. The man in the clip was revealed to be Saudi rally driver Yazeed Mohamed Al-Rajhi. Despite the misinformation, interest in the prince never waned. His father's deep commitment, often captured in emotional images by his son's bedside, made a lasting impression on millions.

Final Moments and Funeral Arrangements

On 19 July 2025, Prince Al-Waleed passed away in a medical facility in Riyadh. His father confirmed the news with a post on X, writing:

'With hearts believing in Allah's will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, 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 today.'

Funeral prayers were held the following day at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. Women gathered at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, while mourners were invited to offer condolences at Al-Fakhriyah Palace through 22 July.

Remembering the 'Sleeping Prince'

Although Prince Al-Waleed never regained full consciousness, his story resonated deeply with people across Saudi Arabia and the wider region. His father's commitment was widely admired as a testament to faith, hope and paternal love in the face of immense grief.

Following news of his passing, the hashtag #SleepingPrince began trending on social media as tributes poured in. In a statement, the Global Imams Council extended its condolences to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the royal family, calling Prince Al-Waleed's ordeal 'a long struggle'.

Though his life was tragically altered at a young age, Prince Al-Waleed's legacy endures — not as a symbol of royalty, but as a powerful reminder of enduring love and human resilience.