Father Announces Death After 20 Years of Waiting... Saudi "Sleeping Prince" Passes Away

Passed Away at 36... Suffered Traffic Accident While Studying in the UK
Father Who Cared for Him in Hopes of Recovery Personally Announces the News

A Saudi Arabian prince, known as the "Sleeping Prince" after falling into a coma for over 20 years following a traffic accident in London at the age of 15, has passed away at the age of 36.

According to the New York Post, People, and other outlets on July 20, Prince Al Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia died the previous day.

His father, Prince Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, personally announced the death of his eldest son via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

The late Saudi Arabian "Sleeping Prince" during his lifetime. Screenshot from X

Prince Al Waleed suffered a traffic accident in 2005 while studying at a military academy in London, United Kingdom, at the age of 15, resulting in brain damage due to cerebral hemorrhage and other injuries. After the accident, he was transferred to a hospital in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, for treatment, but never regained consciousness. For the next 20 years, Prince Al Waleed remained bedridden and dependent on life support, earning the nickname "Sleeping Prince."

His father never gave up hope that his son would recover, even after so many years. He continued to care for his son and firmly refused suggestions from those around him to remove the life support. He also occasionally shared images of his son lying in bed on social media, garnering support and encouragement from many online users for both the "Sleeping Prince" and his father. Prince Khalid, the father, is a member of the Saudi royal family and the younger brother of billionaire businessman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. He also served as a member of parliament in the past.

Prince Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his son. Screenshot from X

In his tribute to his son, Prince Khalid wrote, "Tears are falling and my heart aches. We are deeply saddened by our farewell to you, my son." He went on to quote a verse from the Quran, saying, "With faith in Allah's will and command, and with deep sorrow and grief, we mourn our beloved son, Al Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. May Allah have mercy on him, who left this world today."

After the announcement of his passing, the hashtag "Sleeping Prince" spread widely across social media in the Middle East, as many people mourned Prince Al Waleed and offered condolences to his family.