Saudi Arabian Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al-Saud, who was nicknamed the 'Sleeping Prince,' passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025. He passed away after spending more than 20 years in a coma, following a tragic traffic accident that caused severe brain injuries and internal bleeding. At the time, he was 15 years old and studying military training in London.
Why Is He Called the 'Sleeping Prince'?
Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled was nicknamed the 'Sleeping Prince' after a serious traffic accident in 2005 that left him in a coma for over 20 years. He was treated in intensive care at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, using a ventilator and a feeding tube. Teams of doctors from the United States and Spain were deployed, but were unable to reverse his condition. Although he had shown signs of regaining consciousness in 2019 and 2020, short videos showing him moving his fingers and head raised hopes for a possible miracle.
Family Hope
Prince Al Waleed's father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, had hoped that his son would recover, despite being in a coma for years. To maintain that hope, Prince Khaled decided to maintain his son's life with medical assistance for more than two decades. This decision demonstrated the extraordinary determination and love of a father for his son, who, even in a coma, remained a symbol of hope for his family and society.
The death of Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled, known as the "Sleeping Prince," has left a deep sorrow, not only for the royal family but also for the Saudi people and the international community. For over two decades, his life story has inspired many with its unwavering steadfastness and the love of his family. The Saudi royal family and the world will always remember him as a symbol of hope and sincere compassion.