Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud, famously known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away at the age of 36, nearly two decades after a tragic car accident left him in a coma.
The Saudi royal was just 15 years old when he sustained a brain haemorrhage and internal injuries following a devastating car crash in London in 2005. At the time, he was a military college student.
Since the accident, Prince Al-Waleed had remained on life support at the King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, never regaining full consciousness.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, confirmed the ‘sleeping’ prince’s death on Saturday through a heartfelt post on social media platform X.
“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,” the post read.
Despite the bleak prognosis over the years, Prince Khaled consistently refused suggestions to withdraw life support, holding firm to his hope that his son might recover someday.
The announcement of Prince Al-Waleed’s death has triggered an outpouring of condolences across social media, with the hashtag “Sleeping Prince” trending.
“May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, Rest In Peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones,” one user wrote.
Another post read, “Your time on earth was a blessing to your family and the world in general.”
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” added a third.
Funeral prayers for the late prince will be held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
