Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince' dies after nearly 20 years in coma
Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” has died after spending almost 20 years in a coma.
The Royal Court confirmed his passing in an official statement released via the Saudi Press Agency.
Prince Alwaleed fell into a coma following a severe car accident in 2005 while he was studying at a military college. Despite extensive medical care and periodic signs of minimal responsiveness, he remained in a vegetative state for nearly two decades, drawing both national sympathy and international attention.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, a well-known member of the Saudi royal family, confirmed the news of his son's death on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“With hearts full of faith in Allah's will and great sorrow, we mourn our beloved son, Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. May Allah have mercy on him.”
The funeral prayer for Prince Alwaleed is scheduled for today at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, following the Asr (afternoon) prayer. Numerous royal family members, government officials, and members of the public are expected to attend the funeral rites.
Prince Alwaleed’s prolonged condition had been a poignant story within the Kingdom. Over the years, his family regularly shared updates and videos of him on life support, hoping for a miracle recovery. The prince had become a symbol of patience and unwavering hope, with many Saudis following his journey closely and praying for his recovery.
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