Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud, widely known as the “Sleeping Prince” of Saudi Arabia, has passed away at the age of 36, nearly two decades after a car accident left him in a prolonged coma.
The prince, son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, died on Saturday while on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. His father confirmed the news in a heartfelt message shared on X (formerly Twitter).
“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 statement read.
Prince Al-Waleed was just 15 years old when he sustained a brain haemorrhage and internal bleeding in a devastating car crash while studying at a military college in London in 2005. He never regained full consciousness.
For 19 years, the prince remained on life support, with his father refusing to end medical treatment, expressing unwavering hope that his son would eventually recover.
News of his death sparked a massive outpouring of sympathy on social media. The hashtag #SleepingPrince quickly began trending across platforms, with users paying tribute to the young royal and offering condolences to his family.
“May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, Rest In Peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones,” one user posted.
Another added, “Your time on earth was a blessing to your family and the world in general.”
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” read a third message.
Funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed are scheduled to be held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, according to family sources.
Prince Al-Waleed was a member of the influential House of Saud, and his long medical ordeal drew widespread public attention across the Middle East and beyond. His case sparked debate over life support ethics and became a symbol of parental devotion.
The post Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ dies at 36 after 19 years in coma appeared first on Vanguard News.
