Prince succumbed to death after a lengthy coma of two decades.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a prominent member of the Saudi royal family, passed away on July 19, 2025, at the age of 36. The prince had been in a coma for nearly 20 years following a severe car accident in London in 2005 when he was just 15 years old [1][2][3][4].
Known as the "Sleeping Prince" due to his prolonged coma, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud [4]. The tragic accident occurred while he was studying at a military college in London. Despite immediate medical intervention and the involvement of specialist doctors from the United States and Spain, Al-Waleed never regained full consciousness [1].
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, held onto hope for a divine cure for his son, refusing to turn off the life support machines despite medical advice [1]. Al-Waleed spent over two decades at the King Abdulaziz Medical Center in Riyadh, where he was hospitalized following the accident.
The news of Prince Al-Waleed's death has prompted condolences from prominent figures, including the Global Imams Council, which expressed sympathy to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi royal family [1]. Prince Khaled bin Talal, in a statement, mourned his son's death with deep sadness and faith in Allah's decree, asking for mercy on his soul [1].
The funeral arrangements for Prince Al-Waleed are scheduled for July 20, 2025 [4]. However, at the time of writing, no further details about the funeral or the impact of Prince Al-Waleed's death on the Saudi royal family and the country have been disclosed.
This tragic loss marks the end of a two-decade-long struggle for the Saudi royal family and serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud during this difficult time.
[1] BBC News, "Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince' Al-Waleed bin Khaled dies at 36," July 19, 2025. [2] The Telegraph, "Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud: Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince' passes away," July 19, 2025. [3] Al Arabiya, "Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud: A life cut short by a car accident," July 19, 2025. [4] Arab News, "Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud: A tragic end to the 'Sleeping Prince' story," July 19, 2025.
- What about the causes of Prince Al-Waleed's persistent coma has been a subject of interest in the field of science and health-and-wellness, especially mental-health, as medical professionals have debated the long-term effects of severe car-accidents on the brain?
- General-news outlets have reported an increase in the number of accidents in Saudi Arabia, sparking discussions about road safety and measures to prevent similar tragedies.
- Despite the loss of Prince Al-Waleed, his story has inspired research in the area of medical technology, with scientists hoping to create advancements that could potentially save lives in similar cases.
