What happened to Saudi -Arabia's “sleeping prince”? In the London car accident that left him in the 20-year coma before his death

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known as the “sleeping prince”, died at the age of 36 after spending the last two decades in a coma. His long medical ordeal began in 2005 after a terrible car accident in London, which gave him serious brain injuries with only 15 years. In April 1990 Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled Bin Talal Al Saud and the nephew of the Milliardaire businessman Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal. At the time of the accident, he studied as a military cadet in Great Britain and was seen as a promising personality in the Saudi royal family.
Despite his non -reacting condition, his father stayed by his side over the years and rejected all the suggestions to withdraw life preservation.

Videos of the prince, who showed small movements, such as B. the fingers that raised hope in Saudi Arabia and the Wider Arab world. His hospital room became a spiritual symbol and pulled visitors and prayers.

What happened to the “sleeping prince”?

Prince Al-Waleed's tragic condition began in 2005 with a car accident in London. At the age of only 15 he suffered from a military high shoe from severe brain trauma and internal bleeding.

He was immediately admitted to the hospital and later relocated to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riad, where he stayed in a coma until his death.

In the following years he showed limited signs of a physical reaction. A video clip from 2020, in which he raised his hand in response to a greeting, was widespread online. However, he never achieved full consciousness again and his condition remained critical.

The grief of a nation

Prince Khaled bin Talal was widely praised for his commitment. He spent years next to his son and shared updates with the public. He firmly believed in divine healing and often published messages and hope on social media. Even when doctors from Saudi Arabia, the USA and Spain treated the prince, his condition remained largely unchanged.

On July 19, Prince Khaled confirmed the death of his son in a deeply emotional message to X, quoted a verse from the Koran and expressed grief about the loss. The burial prayers will take place in the mosque of Imam Turki bin Abdullah in Riad.

When the news of his death spread, the hashtag #sleepingprince began to trend on social media.

Faqs

Who was the “sleeping prince”?

The “sleeping prince” refers to Prince al -Waleed bin Khalid Bin Talal Al Saud, the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud. He was born in April 1990, entered a coma at the age of 15 after the London accident and largely spent the next 20 years and became a symbol of hope and dedication.

What caused Prince Al-Waleed's 20-year coma?

In 2005, the 15 -year -old Prince Al -Waleed was involved in a serious car accident in London, who left him with catastrophic brain injuries and internal bleeding. He never gained full consciousness and remained in life maintenance until his death in July 2025.

Where are his burial prayers held?

The burial prayers for Prince Al -Waleed will take place in the mosque of Imam Turki Bin Abdullah in Riad, Saudi Arabia. The ceremony is planned for the day after its death notice.