Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away at the age of 36—almost two decades after a tragic car accident in London left him in a prolonged coma.
The prince, then a 15-year-old military college student, suffered a brain hemorrhage and internal injuries in the 2005 crash that drastically altered the course of his life. Despite early medical efforts and years of hopeful signs, including slight movements, he remained on life support until his death on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, announced the news in a solemn post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
> “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.”
Prince Khaled, known for his unwavering dedication to his son’s care, notably refused to withdraw life support over the years—despite medical advice suggesting otherwise. His persistence turned Prince Al-Waleed into a poignant symbol of hope and resilience across the Arab world.
A member of the influential House of Saud, Prince Al-Waleed was the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. He was also the nephew of billionaire investor Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal and a relative of the current monarch, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Funeral prayers for the late prince will be held Sunday afternoon. The men’s service is scheduled at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, while the women’s prayer will take place at King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
