Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies At 36 After Two Decades In Coma

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud — widely known as the ‘Sleeping Prince’ — has passed away at the age of 36, after spending 20 years in a coma.

His death, which occurred on Saturday, 19 July 2025, was confirmed by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, via a heartfelt post on social media.

“With hearts submitted to Allah’s will and decree, and in deep sorrow, we mourn our beloved son, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. May Allah have mercy on him,” Prince Khaled wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.

Prince Al-Waleed slipped into a coma in 2005 following a brain haemorrhage sustained in a car accident while studying at a military college in London.

Despite undergoing extensive medical care and consultations with specialists worldwide, he never regained full consciousness — though occasional, slight movements sparked fleeting hopes of recovery.

Prince Khaled consistently refused to withdraw life support, maintaining steadfast belief in divine authority over life and death.

The Prince’s prolonged condition drew global attention over the years, symbolising both the fragility of life and the enduring hope of his family.