Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud, a member of the Saudi royal family famously known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away at the age of 36, nineteen years after slipping into a coma following a car accident.
The prince was just 15 years old when he sustained a brain haemorrhage and internal injuries in a devastating crash while studying at a military college in London in 2005. He remained in a coma and on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh until his death was confirmed on Saturday.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, announced the passing in a heartfelt message shared on X (formerly Twitter).
“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 severity of his condition, Prince Al-Waleed’s father remained steadfast in his decision to keep him on life support, rejecting medical advice to let him go and holding onto hope for a miraculous recovery.
News of the prince’s passing has sparked an emotional response online, with the hashtag #SleepingPrince trending as thousands expressed condolences.
“May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled rest in peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones,” one post read.
“Your time on earth was a blessing to your family and the world in general,” another wrote.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” added a third user.
Funeral prayers for the late prince are scheduled to be held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
