Sometimes people say that there are stories that can break your heart and that you can never know them when you pass the city of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. The story of prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, the sleeping prince of Saudi Arabia had captured the world with his heartbreaking though, inspirational expressions. He ended up in a coma as a consequence of a serious car crash in the year 2005, where he spent close to two decades in a coma. In July 19, 2025 when he died, it signaled a journey of hope, faith, and strength. This article explores his life, the event that turned his life upside down, the undying commitment of his family members, and the legacy he has immortalized.
Who was the Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal?
Prince Al-Waleed was born on the 18th of April 1990 as the elder son of the Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud. He was a nephew of a billionaire businessman Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal and a great grandson of King Abdul Aziz, a founder of modern Saudi Arabia. Born to Saudi royal family, he demonstrated himself at a young age. When he was 15, he had some dreams to go after and he did this when he joined a military college also in London so that he could serve his nation. But his life broke tragically that went on to characterize his legacy.
Childhood and Dreams
Prince Al-Waleed was born into a privileged world although he had his ambitions. This is why his decision to study at a military academy was a sign of attempts to add to the legacy of Saudi Arabia. Family and friends have called him sharp, aspiring and good natured. His childhood was full of promises, so what happened next is devastating.
The Tragic Accident Which Made Everything Collapse
When Prince Al-Waleed was 15 years old, in the year 2005 he was in a high speed car accident in London. The accident resulted in commotio cerebri and intra abdominal bleeding that caused a hemorrhage in the brain. He got into coma despite close medical attention. He was airlifted to Saudi Arabia and further admitted at King Abdul Aziz Medical City in Riyadh where he spent the rest of the life hooked to life support machines, about 20 years.
Healthcare and Difficulties
Specialists of the United States, Spain, and Saudi Arabia toiled in order to assist Prince Al-Waleed. He did not become fully conscious despite their efforts. There were occasional indications such as finger movements or brief reaction to recitals of Quran and this filled his family with hopes. Such incidents are frequently shared on social networks, but millions of people were moved by them and they gave him a nickname, Sleeping Prince.
An Unstopping Hope of a Father
Al-Waleed prompted Prince Khaled bin Talal, his father, to become an epitome of dedication. He would not agree to terminate life upholding even though the medical field suggested so because he felt that only God can decide which one is to live and die. He has once said, had God wished him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave by this time. Khaled turned his palace into a ground of prayers by updating his users with news and religious verses of the Quran on X to facilitate a solid support of his son who was recovering.
The Faith and Community Role
Their path to becoming was also anchored on the faith of the Saudi royal family. Millions of people were inspired in the Arab world by the posts of Prince Khaled on X and the videos he did of the small motion of Al-Waleed. He prayed passionately with his son in Ramadan and Eid. Sympathies to the people increased and people prayed along with the “Sleeping Prince.” What happened to him turned out a testimony of strength of character and family unity.
The Final Goodbye: Death of Prince Al-Waleed
Prince Al-Waleed died at the age of 36 of a 20-year fight, having died on July 19, 2025. The been-announced on X through his father who wrote, “With hearts full of faith in the decree of Allah and his fate and with great sadness and sorrow we lose our dear son Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have Mercy on him who departed today.” His death was confirmed by Saudi Royal Court via the Saudi Press Agency, and it closed an emotional story.
Funeral and Mourning
Prayers were said during the funeral on July 20, 2025. In Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, located in Riyadh, men gathered to pray after praying Asr prayer and women flocked the King Faisal specialist hospital grounds after Dhuhr prayer. People flocked Al-Fakhariya Palace fulfilling three days of condolence gatherings by royalties, dignitaries and well-wishers. The term “Sleeping Prince” was frequently used as a hashtag because people were shocked and they mourned and were full of admiration.
Why was He Known as the Sleeping Prince?
The name of Sleeping Prince was conceived because of the lengthy coma Prince Al-Waleed faced and the optimism people had about this condition. His vestigial reactions, such as finger movements or head turn, raised hope. His family provided videos of these moments which struck a chord and turned him into an icon of perseverance. This was not a typical case of coma because his story attracted the attention of the entire world owing to the fact he was a royal person and that his family was devotional to the society.
Popular Response and After-life
On his death, praises came in droves on X. Now one account commented, “May Prince Al-Waleed rest in peace. He gave us the lesson of love and hope in his story.” One of them mentioned, “We were all inspired by his family faith”. His heritage is the feeling of intimacy and inspiration that he created representing to people the strength of hope when something seems impossible to win.
What Can Be Learned about the Sleeping Prince
The case of Prince Al-Waleed evokes some deep questions concerning love and faith and medical ethics. The case brought about arguments on extended life support because of the refusal by his family to surrender. Their narrative demonstrates how strong family connections can be and how faith helps to deal with a tragedy. To the readers, it serves to remind them of the need to enjoy the people they have in their lives and derive strength in the face of challenges.
The Way to Remember Him
The best way you can memorize the life of Prince Al-Waleed is to learn about his life and donate to causes relating to the undertaking of the brain injury or to take care of the coma patient. You can find money to donate to medical charities or you can create awareness about road safety so that such accidents can be avoided. His story can also be kept alive as it can be told respectfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal?
He was a Saudi royal, the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal, who spent 20 years in a coma after a 2005 car accident. He was known as the “Sleeping Prince.”
What caused his coma?
A high-speed car accident in London in 2005 caused severe brain injuries and internal bleeding, leading to a coma.
Why did his family keep him on life support?
His father, Prince Khaled, believed in divine healing and refused to withdraw life support, hoping for recovery.
How did the public react to his passing?
Millions expressed condolences on X, with the hashtag “Sleeping Prince” trending. His story inspired widespread empathy.
Conclusion
Despite what happened to him and marked his life as a tragedy, the life of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal was a great love story of hope. The 20 years he remained in a coma, the faith of his family and the worldwide solidarity he received caused him to be a living legend. His legacy, after leaving the world in grief; not only in Saudi Arabia, but also across the globe, is an epitome of hope that we only need to embrace, family love and overcome life obstacles with strength. Share this tale to give a tribute to the Sleeping Prince and motivate more people with his fantastic experience.
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