‘Sleeping Prince’ from Saudi Arabia dies after 20 years in coma following London car crash

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al Saud—affectionately known as the “Sleeping Prince”—has passed away at the age of 36, bringing an end to a heart-wrenching, two-decade battle for recovery following a devastating car crash in London.

A Life Forever Changed

In 2005, at just 15 years old, Prince Al-Waleed was involved in a serious road accident while studying at a military college in London. The crash caused severe brain hemorrhaging and internal injuries, leaving the young royal in a persistent coma from which he never awoke.

He was moved back to Saudi Arabia, where he remained on life support in a Riyadh hospital for nearly 20 years.

‍ A Father’s Devotion

Prince Khaled bin Talal, his father, refused to give up hope. Despite medical recommendations to discontinue life support, he stood firmly by his son’s bedside for years, believing in the possibility of a miracle.

Occasionally, Prince Al-Waleed made small movements—like twitching fingers or blinking—which the family took as signs of life and hope. Videos of these moments were sometimes shared by relatives, inspiring supporters across the Arab world.

️ National Mourning

The news of his passing sparked an emotional outpouring from across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Many remembered the prince as a symbol of perseverance, faith, and the power of familial love.

Funeral prayers were held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, with dignitaries, family, and citizens gathering to bid farewell to the young royal.

✨ Legacy of Faith and Strength

Though he never regained consciousness, Prince Al-Waleed’s life left a profound impact. He became a symbol of faith, resilience, and the unwavering strength of a father’s love. His long journey served as a quiet reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of hope, even in the darkest of times.

Final Thoughts

The story of the “Sleeping Prince” is not just a tale of tragedy, but one of undying devotion. His passing brings closure to a chapter filled with emotional endurance and spiritual reflection. He will be remembered not just for the accident that changed his life, but for the unwavering love that defined it.