Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, the Saudi royal famously known as the ‘Sleeping Prince’, has passed away at the age of 36, nearly two decades after falling into a coma following a devastating car accident in London.
The prince, who was just 15 at the time of the accident in 2005 while studying at a military school, suffered a brain haemorrhage and was subsequently transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. Despite the best efforts of numerous medical specialists, he remained unconscious and reliant on a ventilator until his death.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, remained steadfast throughout the years, refusing to withdraw life support even in the face of medical advice to let nature take its course. In 2015, doctors recommended ending treatment, but Prince Khaled defied the recommendation, determined to give his son every chance at recovery.
There were moments of fleeting hope. Over the years, Prince Al-Waleed was observed making slight movements, such as lifting his fingers and gently tilting his head, gestures that gave his family and supporters brief glimpses of possible improvement. However, his condition ultimately remained unchanged.
Announcing his son’s passing on social media platform X, Prince Khaled wrote: “With hearts full of faith in Allah’s decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, 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 to Allah’s mercy today.”
Prince Al-Waleed was a great-grandson of King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, the founder and first monarch of modern Saudi Arabia. He was also the nephew of billionaire businessman Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal and a great-nephew of the current King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Funeral prayers for the late prince will be held on Sunday afternoon at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque for men, while women will gather for a separate service at King Faisal Specialist Hospital. The family will also be receiving mourners at Al-Fakhariya Palace from Sunday through to Tuesday.
The Global Imams Council expressed its condolences in a statement, saying: “The Global Imams Council extends its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to… His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the esteemed Royal Family, on the passing of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who passed away after a long struggle that lasted nearly twenty years.”
“As we share the grief of the Royal Family on this solemn occasion, we recall with deep respect the patience and steadfastness demonstrated by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, and his family, a testament to their profound faith in the will and decree of Allah.”
