The Tragic Life And Final Chapter Of Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince': 5 Key Facts About Al-Waleed Bin Khaled Bin Talal
The world is mourning the loss of a figure whose life became a symbol of unwavering hope and profound tragedy: Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud. As of late July 2025, the Saudi Royal Court confirmed the death of the man affectionately known as the "Sleeping Prince," who had spent nearly two decades in a coma following a devastating car accident. His passing closes a chapter that captivated the public both within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and globally, highlighting the deep devotion of his family, particularly his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal.
This article provides an in-depth look at the life of Prince Al-Waleed, the tragic circumstances of his accident, and the enduring legacy of hope his story leaves behind, based on the most current announcements and biographical details available in late 2025.
Biography and Family Profile of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud was a member of the powerful and influential House of Saud, a grandson of the Kingdom's founder, Ibn Saud. His lineage connects him to some of the most prominent figures in Saudi Arabian history and business.
- Full Name: Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
- Nickname: The "Sleeping Prince"
- Date of Birth: April 1990
- Date of Death: July 19, 2025
- Age at Death: 36 years old
- Father: Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud (Brother of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal)
- Mother: Princess Iman bint Abdullah Al Saud
- Grandfather (Paternal): Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
- Great-Grandfather: King Abdulaziz (Ibn Saud), the founder of Saudi Arabia
- Prominent Uncle: Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Al Saud (Billionaire businessman and investor)
- Sisters: Princess Noura bint Khaled bin Talal
- Cause of Coma: Severe brain injury from a car accident (2005)
- Duration in Coma: Approximately 20 years
The Tragic Accident That Created the 'Sleeping Prince'
The course of Prince Al-Waleed's life was irrevocably altered in 2005. At the age of just 18, while studying in London, he was involved in a horrific car accident.
The crash resulted in a catastrophic brain injury. Although he was quickly moved to a hospital in Riyadh, the damage was irreversible, and he slipped into a long-term coma. This is the event that led to the world knowing him by the poignant moniker, the "Sleeping Prince."
For two decades, the young royal remained on a ventilator, dependent on life-support machinery. While medical professionals had reportedly declared him brain dead, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, refused to turn off the life support. This decision was rooted in a deep, spiritual belief and an enduring flicker of hope for a miracle.
The family's devotion was a testament to unconditional love. They kept Prince Al-Waleed's body in a specialized hospital room in Riyadh, ensuring he received continuous care. The story of the family's vigil became an international news entity, symbolizing a profound human connection beyond wealth and royalty.
A Two-Decade Vigil: Moments of Hope and Unwavering Faith
Throughout the years, the family shared rare, emotional updates that kept the public engaged with the Prince's condition. These updates often served as beacons of hope, showing that his father, Prince Khaled, had not given up on his son.
One of the most shared moments occurred when the Prince appeared to move. Footage, often shared by his sister Princess Noura and other family members on social media platforms, showed subtle movements, such as a hand or a finger twitching. These small, involuntary actions were enough to reignite the family’s belief that he might one day wake up. His father, Prince Khaled, famously stated he would never remove the life support, saying, "If God wished for him to die in the accident, he would have been home. The one who kept him all these years is able to give him a second life."
The Prince's uncle, the billionaire investor Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, also frequently visited and offered public support, further cementing the story’s place in the public consciousness. This sustained, public display of hope and devotion by a prominent branch of the Saudi Royal Family contributed significantly to the "Sleeping Prince's" topical authority.
The Final Announcement: Prince Al-Waleed Passes Away in July 2025
The long, two-decade-long vigil came to a quiet end in late July 2025. The Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued an official statement announcing the death of His Royal Highness Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The Prince passed away at the age of 36. Although the exact details surrounding the immediate cause of death were not specified in the initial public announcements, it marked the conclusion of his nearly 20-year fight against the severe brain injuries sustained in the 2005 car crash.
The news prompted an outpouring of condolences across the Arab world and internationally. The story of the Sleeping Prince, which had been a constant narrative of endurance, love, and faith, finally reached its conclusion. His death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the immense strength of familial bonds, even within the confines of royalty.
5 Key Facts About the Life and Legacy of the 'Sleeping Prince'
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal's life, though largely spent in a state of unconsciousness, left an indelible mark. His story is a powerful narrative of hope over medical prognosis, a devotion that transcended the limitations of science.
- The 20-Year Coma: He spent nearly two decades in a coma, having sustained a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2005. His condition was a persistent vegetative state, requiring constant medical attention and a ventilator.
- The Father's Vow: His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, became a global icon of parental devotion, refusing to disconnect the life support machine, believing that a miracle recovery was possible through God's will.
- A Symbol of Hope: Despite his condition, the Prince’s life became a symbol of enduring faith and resilience for many people facing similar medical challenges worldwide.
- High-Profile Family: He was the nephew of one of the world's most famous investors, Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, ensuring his story maintained a high-profile status in the international media.
- The Final Chapter: His death in July 2025, at the age of 36, concluded one of the longest and most public vigils in modern royal history, confirmed by the Saudi Royal Court.
The legacy of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal is not one of political power or business acumen, but one of deep family loyalty and the power of hope against overwhelming odds. His story will be remembered as a unique and moving chapter in the history of the Saudi Royal Family.
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