“Sleeping Prince of Saudi Arabia Dies After 20 Years in a Coma — A Kingdom Mourns the Boy Who Never Woke Up”

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia —
After two decades of silence, stillness, and unwavering hope, Saudi Arabia has bid farewell to its most tragic royal figure — Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, famously known as the “Sleeping Prince.” He passed away on July 19, 2025, at the age of 36, after spending nearly 20 years in a coma following a devastating car crash in London.

The news of his passing has sent a wave of grief and reflection through the Kingdom and across the Arab world. For many, the prince symbolized a heartbreaking mix of lost potential, divine testing, and the unshakable devotion of family.

The Accident That Changed Everything

In 2005, Al-Waleed was a vibrant 15-year-old studying at a military college in London, preparing for a future in public service. But a horrific road accident shattered those dreams. Suffering a massive brain hemorrhage and internal injuries, the prince fell into a coma that he would never emerge from. Doctors deemed his condition irreversible. Most would have let go.

But not his father.

A Father’s Promise

Prince Khaled bin Talal, a member of the powerful Al Saud dynasty, refused to take his son off life support. He believed deeply in miracles and insisted that God could bring his son back. For 20 years, he kept Al-Waleed alive on machines, monitoring every breath, documenting every twitch, and refusing to give up hope.

Photos and videos of the prince in a hospital bed — eyes closed, surrounded by medical devices — were occasionally released to the public. In 2019, a video showing the prince moving his fingers briefly reignited global attention, with many interpreting it as a sign of recovery. But no progress followed.

To the world, he became known as the “Sleeping Prince.” To his family, he was a son, a brother, and a sacred trust.

The Day the Kingdom Cried

On July 19, the inevitable came. The prince, after a silent 7,300-day battle, passed away. His father shared the news with the nation, saying:

“With hearts full of faith in Allah’s will, we announce the passing of our beloved son, Al-Waleed bin Khaled. He has returned to his Creator after a long and difficult journey.”

Funeral prayers were held the following day at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. Royal family members, government officials, and mourning citizens gathered to pay their respects. Even those who had never met him wept — because the story of the Sleeping Prince had, over the years, become deeply personal to many Saudis.

A Symbol of Devotion and Faith

The saga of Al-Waleed touched people far beyond the Kingdom. His family’s refusal to give up became a testament to devotion — controversial to some, inspiring to others. Social media was flooded with tributes, prayers, and discussions on the ethics of long-term life support. But amid all the debate, one truth stood out: this was a family that never let go of hope.

Prince Al-Waleed’s story also reignited conversations about road safety, youth, fate, and the fragility of life. Many who followed his journey saw him as a symbol — not just of tragedy, but of endurance and unconditional love.

Gone But Not Forgotten

As the Kingdom lays him to rest, one cannot help but wonder what Prince Al-Waleed’s life could have been. A soldier? A leader? A diplomat? The answers vanished that day in London. But what remained — and now lingers even after death — is a story of heartbreak, hope, and faith that touched millions.

He was the boy who never woke up.
But he will never be forgotten.