Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, the Saudi royal who spent two decades in a coma following a tragic car accident, has died at age 36.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, confirmed the passing in a heartfelt social media post on Saturday.
“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,” the grieving father wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The young prince’s life changed forever in 2005 when he suffered a brain hemorrhage during a car crash while studying at a military college in London. Following the accident, he was transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained in a comatose state for nearly 20 years – earning him the poignant nickname “Sleeping Prince” among Saudis.
Prince Al-Waleed’s prolonged medical condition made him one of the world’s longest-known coma patients. His case drew widespread attention in the Kingdom, where the royal family maintained constant care at the state-of-the-art medical facility.
The passing marks the end of a heartbreaking medical saga that captivated Saudi Arabia for a generation. While the prince never regained consciousness after his accident, his family’s unwavering dedication to his care became a testament to their devotion.
No details about funeral arrangements have been released, though traditional Islamic burial customs will likely be observed for the young royal. The Saudi royal court is expected to issue an official statement in coming days.
