Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies After 20 Years in Coma

Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Alwaleed Bin Khaled Dies After 20 Years in Coma

A story of royal resilience, global sympathy, and the heartbreaking end to a decades-long wait

🌙 Who Was the Sleeping Prince?

Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled Al Saud was born in April 1990. He was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a respected member of the Saudi royal family, and the nephew of billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.

From a young age, Prince Alwaleed was surrounded by royalty, power, and promise. However, destiny took a different turn, one that would make him known to the world as the “Sleeping Prince”.

🚗 The Tragic Accident

In 2005, while studying in London, Prince Alwaleed was involved in a devastating car accident. The injuries he sustained caused a traumatic brain injury and left him in a persistent vegetative state.

At just 15 years old, his life was suddenly paused. He would remain in a coma for the next two decades.

🏥 20 Years of Hope and Care

Despite grim medical forecasts, Prince Alwaleed’s family—especially his father—refused to give up hope. He was cared for in a private medical facility, where advanced life support and regular monitoring continued day and night.

    His father, Prince Khaled, became a global symbol of faith and parental devotion, sharing updates that often showed small movements or signs that fueled hope.
  

Videos of these moments would frequently go viral, with well-wishers across the Arab world and beyond offering prayers and emotional support.

💔 A Nation Mourns

In July 2025, the Saudi Royal Court officially announced the death of Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled. While the specific cause was not detailed, the news brought a solemn end to what had been one of the most followed medical stories in modern Saudi history.

Funeral prayers were expected to take place in Riyadh, with dignitaries, royals, and citizens coming together to bid farewell.

👑 Remembering a Life Frozen in Time

Though he spent nearly all of his adult life in a coma, Prince Alwaleed’s story touched countless lives. He became more than just a patient—he became a symbol of the complexities of life, the persistence of love, and the fragile nature of human existence.

His family’s decision to keep him alive, against many odds, sparked debate, but also admiration. For many, it was a powerful reminder of faith, patience, and the sanctity of life.