Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known across the Arab world as the “Sleeping Prince,” has died nearly 20 years after slipping into a coma caused by a severe car crash. His passing, announced by his father in a sorrowful statement, concludes a decades-long journey marked by faith, unwavering family devotion, and emotional public support.
Royal Heritage and Early Life
Prince Al Waleed was born in April 1990 into the prestigious Saudi royal family. He was the first son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a senior royal family member well-known for his conservative stance and deep religious beliefs. Prince Khaled is the brother of the famous billionaire investor and philanthropist Prince Al Waleed bin Talal, making the young prince part of one of the most influential family lines in Saudi Arabia.
From a young age, Prince Al Waleed was immersed in a life of privilege and high expectations. His upbringing in the royal household came with duties and preparations for future leadership. In his teenage years, he traveled to the United Kingdom to undergo military cadet training, a pathway many royals take to gain discipline, strength, and strategic knowledge.
The Tragic Incident That Changed Everything
In 2005, at the age of 15, Prince Al Waleed was involved in a catastrophic car accident while in London for his military training. The crash left him with serious brain trauma and severe internal bleeding. Although he survived the immediate aftermath, his injuries placed him in a coma, rendering him minimally responsive and entirely dependent on medical life support.
His condition was classified as a minimally conscious state—a rare medical condition in which a patient exhibits limited, inconsistent responses to stimuli without regaining full awareness. Despite being transported to leading medical facilities and receiving treatment from renowned experts in countries like the United States and Spain, the prince never recovered full consciousness.
A Father’s Refusal to Give Up Hope
In the years following the accident, Prince Al Waleed remained under constant care in a specialized medical facility in Saudi Arabia. His father, Prince Khaled, became known for his relentless hope and deep faith. Despite mounting medical opinions that recovery was unlikely, Prince Khaled steadfastly refused to end life support, placing his trust in God for a miracle.
Over the years, the family occasionally shared brief video clips showing the prince responding slightly to sounds, particularly Quranic recitations. These videos were widely circulated and brought hope to many, especially as the prince seemed to show movement in response to the voice of his father or religious readings. These moments touched millions across the Arab world, fueling admiration for the family’s patience and dedication.
A Nation and a Family Mourn
Prince Al Waleed’s passing was announced by his father in a deeply moving post shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday. Prince Khaled posted verses from the Quran that are commonly recited at funerals:
“O reassured soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him], and enter among My [righteous] servants, and enter My Paradise.”
He followed with a heartfelt message:
“With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, 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 today.”
The announcement triggered an outpouring of condolences on social media, with citizens, royal family members, and international figures expressing their sympathies. Many described the prince as a symbol of faith, while others praised his family’s unshakable devotion and strength.
Public Reactions and the Legacy of Hope
Throughout the years, the story of the “Sleeping Prince” resonated with people beyond Saudi Arabia. He became a symbol of hope, struggle, and the strength of parental love. His prolonged medical state raised discussions about the ethics of long-term life support, the intersection of faith and medicine, and the emotional toll such conditions take on families.
Prince Al Waleed’s life, though largely lived in silence, left a deep impression on the public. His story was widely followed, and his family’s decision to continue care inspired many across the Arab world. Some even saw him as a spiritual reminder that hope must never be abandoned, even in the darkest hours.
Closure After Years of Uncertainty
Now that Prince Al Waleed has passed, the royal family and the public are left to reflect on the two decades of hope and waiting. His story, defined by tragedy and unwavering faith, concludes with sorrow but also with admiration for the dedication shown by those closest to him.
Though his life did not unfold as expected, the “Sleeping Prince” left behind a unique legacy—one not of action or leadership, but of endurance, faith, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his son.
His funeral is expected to draw widespread attention and participation, as people from all walks of life come together to pay their final respects to a prince who, even in silence, left a voice that touched millions.
