A Saudi prince who has been in a coma for 20 years following a tragic car crash in London has died, according to his father.
Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, died at the age of 36. He was named the “Sleeping Prince” after spending over two decades in a coma, following a tragic accident at the age of 15 when he was studying to be a military cadet in London.
Prince Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud of Saudi Arabia has died after spending two decades in a coma.
— Gulf Daily News (@GDNonline) July 20, 2025
Prince Al Waleed, known as the ‘Sleeping Prince’, went into a coma at the age of 15 following a 2005 accident. He was studying as a military cadet in London at the time.… pic.twitter.com/EioJKOQ0jV
The prince suffered severe brain damage and internal bleeding in the accident, and despite the best efforts of his medical team, he never regained full consciousness. He was hospitalised at King Abdulaziz Medical City and was on a ventilator until his death.
His devastated father confirmed the news on X, writing: “With hearts believing in Allah 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."
{يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ، ارْجِعِي إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً، فَادْخُلِي فِي عِبَادِي، وَادْخُلِي جَنَّتِي}
— خالد بن طلال بن عبد العزيز ( أبو الوليد ) (@allah_cure_dede) July 19, 2025
بقلوب مؤمنة بقضاء الله وقدره وببالغ الحزن والأسى ننعى إبننا الغالي
الأمير الوليد بن خالد بن طلال بن عبدالعزيز آل سعود رحمه الله
الذي انتقل… pic.twitter.com/QQBbMWGOOG
Prince Khaled stayed close to his son’s side over the years and insisted on keeping him on life support. During a hospital visit with his sons Saud and Mohammed, Prince Al-Waleed’s younger brothers, Prince Khaled requested prayers that his son might recover and awaken from his coma.
Despite minor physical responses from the prince, which gave his family hope that he could be recovering, the Prince never fully regained consciousness and remained in a critical condition until his death. Visitors often frequented his hospital room to offer prayers and support.
The announcement of the prince’s sad passing on X was met with heartfelt condolences.
Funeral prayers for the late prince will be held at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
