Saudi royal known as 'sleeping prince' dies at 36 after 20-year coma from London car crash

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled Al-Saud, a Saudi royal widely known as the "Sleeping Prince," has passed away at the age of 36 after spending nearly 20 years in a coma. The announcement was made by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, in a post on social media platform X on July 20, 2025.

The prince fell into a coma following a serious car accident in London in 2005, when he was just 15 years old. The crash resulted in a brain haemorrhage and internal bleeding. At the time, he had been studying at a military college in the UK. After the accident, he was transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained under intensive care until his death.

Throughout the years that followed, his father remained committed to his care. Despite his long-term condition, Prince Khaled refused to remove his son from life support, holding onto hope for a possible recovery. The family's enduring commitment drew widespread attention and sympathy. Many in the Arab world followed the prince’s story closely, often sharing prayers and messages of support online.

In announcing the news, Prince Khaled quoted from the Quran, expressing both sorrow and faith. “With hearts believing in Allah’s will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son,” he wrote.

Following the announcement, the hashtag “Sleeping Prince” trended across social media, with thousands expressing condolences and tributes. Funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed were scheduled for today at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.

His passing marks the close of a widely followed story, remembered for its tragic circumstances and a father’s unwavering love.