Known as the “Sleeping Prince” throughout the Arab world, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud passed away at the age of 36 following nearly two decades in a coma.
The Royal Court, via the Saudi Press Agency, released a statement on Saturday, July 19, announcing his death. On social media, his distraught father, Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, also confirmed his death.
“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,” He wrote on X.
Millions of people throughout the region were moved by the prince’s story, which is one of tragedy, faith, and steadfast family loyalty.
Prince Al-Waleed was the nephew of billionaire businessman Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal and the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud. He was born in April 1990.
At the age of 15, Prince Al-Waleed, who was then a military cadet studying in London, was involved in a life-altering car accident in 2005 that left him with numerous internal injuries and a severe brain haemorrhage.
After being transported back to Saudi Arabia for medical care, he was admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he spent twenty years in critical condition.
The prince never fully recovered consciousness, even after consulting with numerous experts from around the globe, including neurologists and critical care specialists from Spain and the United States.
His state was described over the years as a minimally responsive coma with brief flashes of potential awareness provided by involuntary movements. Prince Al-Waleed was kept alive during this long and agonising chapter using mechanical ventilation and 24-hour observation.
His hospital room evolved from a medical facility to a representation of spiritual fortitude. In the hope of a divine miracle, family members, religious scholars, and well-wishers would often visit and recite passages from the Quran.
On social media, videos of the prince seemingly reacting quietly to these recitations went viral, igniting fresh outpourings of public prayer and emotional support.
Even though they were brief, these moments gave his loved ones and many others who closely followed his condition in the Arab world hope.
Over the years, Prince Khaled bin Talal, his father, maintained public optimism by sharing updates and restating his belief in God’s will.
He once reflected the spiritual strength that characterised the family’s lengthy vigil when he said in an interview, “If God wants him to wake up, he will.”
The Kingdom says goodbye to Prince Al-Waleed, a royal whose name symbolised hope amid misery. Following his passing, social media has been inundated with condolences and prayers for his soul from Saudis and other members of the Arab community.
