Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies After 20-Year Coma

Known around the world as Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies After 20-Year Coma. Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’, has passed away at the age of 36, nearly two decades after he fell into a coma due to a devastating car accident in London. The young royal, who had become a symbol of faith, devotion, and resilience, died on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies After 20-Year Coma

Who Was the ‘Sleeping Prince’?

Born in April 1990, Prince Alwaleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud and the nephew of billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.

He hailed from a prestigious branch of the Saudi royal family and was the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia.

In 2005, while studying at a military college in the United Kingdom, the prince was involved in a severe road accident. He was just 15 years old at the time.

The incident caused a traumatic brain injury, brain hemorrhage, and internal bleeding, leaving him in a complete coma.

A Father’s Devotion and Medical Struggles

After the accident, Prince Alwaleed was transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained on life support for nearly two decades.

Despite advice from medical professionals, including experts from the United States and Spain, to consider ending life support, his father, Prince Khaled, firmly opposed the idea.

He remained resolute in his belief that only God determines the moment of death.

Over the years, Prince Khaled continuously shared updates on his son’s condition and moments of slight physical movement such as a finger twitch or a head turn which were seen as signs of hope by family members and well-wishers across the Muslim world.

The Legacy of Faith and Perseverance

Prince Alwaleed came to be affectionately known as the ‘Sleeping Prince’ on social media. Videos occasionally surfaced showing minimal involuntary movements in response to Quranic recitations or family visits.

These rare glimpses fueled widespread admiration for the family’s steadfast commitment and the father’s unyielding hope.

During Islamic holidays like Ramadan and Eid, Prince Khaled would share emotional invocations and prayers, often accompanied by heartfelt messages.

His faith and devotion turned the prince’s hospital room into a symbolic site of spiritual endurance.

Confirmation of Death and Public Mourning

On July 19, Prince Khaled confirmed his son’s passing with a religious message on X (formerly Twitter):

“O reassured soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him], and enter My Paradise… With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow, we mourn our beloved son.”

The Global Imams Council also issued a condolence message:

“With hearts full of faith in Allah’s decree and destiny, and with profound sadness, we extend our sincere condolences to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the esteemed Royal Family, on the passing of Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud.”

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral prayers for the ‘Sleeping Prince’ will be held on Sunday, July 20, in Riyadh. For men, the prayer will take place after the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque.

For women, the service will be held after Dhuhr prayer at King Faisal Specialist Hospital.

Condolences will be received at Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Palace in the Al-Fakhriyah district from July 20 to 22. Men can visit after Asr prayer, and women after Maghrib prayer.

National and Social Media Reaction

As the news of the prince’s death broke, the hashtag #SleepingPrince began trending across Saudi Arabia and the wider Muslim world.

Tributes poured in from global figures, royals, religious leaders, and citizens, reflecting the emotional and symbolic resonance of the prince’s story.

Many shared stories of the family’s unwavering devotion, while others remembered the ‘Sleeping Prince’ as a quiet symbol of courage, hope, and spiritual resilience.

A Medical Mystery and Spiritual Journey

Although Prince Alwaleed never regained full consciousness, his case has often been discussed in both medical and spiritual circles.

Some viewed his condition as a mystery that defied medical logic, while others saw his long coma as a test of divine will.

In 2019, his slight responses raised global attention again, with some claiming they were signs of recovery.

While the prince’s physical state never significantly changed, his story became a vessel for broader reflections on life, faith, and family.

The Man Who Never Gave Up: Prince Khaled bin Talal

Perhaps the most defining figure in this two-decade-long saga is Prince Khaled bin Talal. A deeply religious man, he not only cared for his son with love but also used his platform to advocate for hope, patience, and prayer.

In interviews and public addresses, Prince Khaled consistently highlighted the value of life, even in its most vulnerable forms.

His commitment has earned him praise across Saudi Arabia and beyond, with many calling him a living example of parental devotion.

Remembering the Sleeping Prince

While Prince Alwaleed’s life was cut short and largely spent unconscious, he leaves behind a powerful legacy. His story is one of a family’s unwavering belief in God, a father’s undying love for his child, and a nation’s emotional investment in a life lived mostly in silence.

As Saudi Arabia bids farewell to the ‘Sleeping Prince’, his memory will endure as a symbol of compassion, resilience, and spiritual faith that touched millions.

Final Thoughts

Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal may have lived in a coma, but his life was anything but forgotten. He became a national icon, a symbol of patient faith, and an inspiration for countless families coping with tragedy. In mourning his loss, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also honors the strength of love, hope, and devotion that defined his 20-year journey.

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