Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince' Dies After 20 Years in Coma

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, famously known as Saudi Arabia’s "Sleeping Prince," has died at the age of 36 two decades after falling into a coma following a tragic car crash in London.

The news was confirmed on Saturday by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, who shared a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter):

“With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son... may Allah have mercy on him.”

Prince Al-Waleed sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2005 while studying at a UK military academy. Following the accident, he was transported to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained on life support for 20 years.

During that time, the prince became a poignant symbol across the Arab world, as video clips of his occasional reflexive movements — blinking, slight finger motions sparked waves of hope among supporters who followed his condition closely.

Despite consultations with leading international medical experts and years of dedicated care, Prince Al-Waleed never regained full consciousness. Yet, his family especially his father never gave up hope, choosing to continue life-sustaining treatment out of faith and love.

The royal family has not yet announced funeral details, but tributes and prayers have begun pouring in from across the kingdom and beyond.