Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a member of the Saudi royal family who spent two decades in a coma following a devastating accident in London, has died at the age of 36.
The prince, affectionately referred to as the “Sleeping Prince” in the Arab world, suffered a severe brain haemorrhage at just 15 years old after being involved in a car crash while studying at a military academy in the UK in 2005.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, confirmed his death in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “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.”
Following the accident, Prince Al-Waleed was transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained on life support for the next 20 years. Despite interventions by top medical specialists, he never regained consciousness and remained on a ventilator throughout.
Throughout the years, his father remained deeply committed to his care and recovery, defying medical advice in 2015 that suggested ending life support. He publicly refused to give up hope and pushed for continuous treatment, despite little sign of progress.
There were brief periods of renewed optimism when the prince was observed making small movements, including tilting his head and lifting his fingers. However, these episodes did not result in significant improvement to his condition.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled was a descendant of Saudi Arabia’s founding monarch, King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, and a great-nephew of the current king, Salman bin Abdulaziz. He was also the nephew of prominent businessman and billionaire investor Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Al Saud.
Funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed will be held on Sunday. Male mourners are expected to attend the service at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, while a separate gathering for women will take place at King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
The public has also been invited to offer condolences at Al-Fakhariya Palace from Sunday through Tuesday, with facilities in place for both men and women to pay their respects.
The Global Imams Council issued a condolence statement via X, expressing its “sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to… His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the esteemed Royal Family.”
The council added: “As we share the grief of the Royal Family on this solemn occasion, we recall with deep respect the patience and steadfastness demonstrated by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, and his family—a testament to their profound faith in the will and decree of Allah.”
Prince Al-Waleed’s passing closes a heartbreaking chapter that spanned two decades and was marked by unwavering hope, religious conviction, and a family’s refusal to abandon one of their own.
Editing by M10News World Desk | Contact: worlddesk@m10news.com
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