Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family affectionately known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away at the age of 36. His death marks the end of a long, quiet chapter of sorrow, faith, and unwavering love that began when he was only 15 years old.

Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal, himself a well-known figure within the Saudi royal family and the nephew of billionaire businessman Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. As a teenager, Al-Waleed showed promise and ambition, pursuing military education in London, preparing for a future in service to his country.

But that future was tragically cut short in 2005 when he was involved in a devastating car accident during his studies abroad. The crash left him with severe brain trauma and internal injuries. Despite emergency medical intervention, he slipped into a deep coma — a state that would last for more than two decades.

He was transported back to Riyadh and admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City, where he remained in a coma for the rest of his life. Over the years, his condition became symbolic of both tragedy and perseverance, with his story resonating not only across Saudi Arabia but around the world.

A Father’s Endless Vigil

From the very beginning, Prince Khaled refused to abandon hope for his son’s recovery. Despite medical advice and the overwhelming odds, he chose to keep his son on life support, convinced that one day, Al-Waleed might awaken.

Prince Khaled’s commitment to his son was constant and deeply moving. Throughout the years, he transformed the hospital room into a sanctuary filled with love, faith, and devotion. During holidays and national celebrations—Ramadan, Eid, National Day—he decorated the room with lights, banners, and prayers. Photos of Al-Waleed from happier times adorned the walls, and every corner carried the touch of a father’s hand trying to bridge the silence between them.

In 2024, nearly two decades after the accident, Prince Khaled posted an update on social media showing his son in a hospital bed, surrounded by Eid decorations. “His condition is stable,” he shared, a statement that once again stirred public emotion and admiration for his enduring faith.

Over the years, the prince’s room became more than a medical space—it became a place of pilgrimage. Hundreds of visitors came to offer prayers and share in the family’s sorrow and resilience. Religious leaders, dignitaries, and ordinary citizens all found themselves moved by the story of a young prince who had come to represent much more than his royal title.

A Peaceful Farewell

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, after 20 years suspended between life and death, Prince Al-Waleed quietly passed away. His father announced the news through a solemn post on social media, sharing a black-and-white photo of his son lying peacefully in bed. The caption, written in Arabic, reflected a heart full of grief but also acceptance: “With hearts full of faith in Allah’s will and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved son, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. May Allah have mercy on his soul.”

The following day, a funeral prayer was held in Saudi Arabia. Members of the royal family, high officials, friends, and citizens gathered to pay their final respects. It was a farewell not just to a prince, but to a life defined by love, struggle, and the enduring bond between parent and child.

Though Prince Al-Waleed never regained consciousness, his life touched millions. He became a symbol of quiet strength, and his father’s vigil reminded the world of the depth of a parent’s love in the face of unimaginable grief.

As Saudi Arabia bids farewell to the “Sleeping Prince,” his story will remain a powerful testament to faith, family, and the hope that endures—even in silence.

May he rest in peace.