Who Was the ‘Sleeping Prince’? Saudi Royal Died After 20 Years in a Coma

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud — otherwise known as the “Sleeping Prince” — died at age 36 after being in a coma for 20 years.

“With hearts believing in Allah will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son: Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away today,” the prince’s father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, shared in a social media statement on July 19.

The statement was written in Arabic and featured a photo of the late royal in his hospital bed.

The Saudi royal court also confirmed the news. A funeral service for Prince Al-Waleed was held the following day, and is set to last for a total of three days — ending on July 22.

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The Global Imams Council also released a statement following Prince Al-Waleed’s death.

“As we share the grief of the Royal Family on this solemn occasion, we recall with deep respect the patience and steadfastness demonstrated by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, and his family,” the statement read, in part. “We pray the Almighty Allah envelops the late Prince with His vast mercy, grants him a place in His eternal Paradise, and bestows patience and solace upon his family and loved ones.”

Keep scrolling for everything to know about the “Sleeping Prince”:

Who Was the ‘Sleeping Prince’?

Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled, the Saudi royal.

Courtesy of Khaled bin Talal/X/Instagram

What Happened to the ‘Sleeping Prince’?

When Prince Al-Waleed was 15 years old, he was injured in a car accident. At the time, he was studying at a military college in London, multiple outlets have reported.

Following the accident, it was determined that Prince Al-Waleed suffered several brain injuries and internal bleeding, leaving him in a coma for years prior to his death. His family opted to keep him on life support following the 2005 accident.

While he never woke up from the coma, Prince Al-Waleed’s father did share several videos on social media of his son lifting his hands and fingers over the years.

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Where Did the ‘Sleeping Prince’ Die?

Prior to his death, Prince Al-Waleed remained in a coma at the King Abdulaziz Medical City in the city of Riyadh, which is the capital of Saudi Arabia. He was in the hospital, receiving several visitors who prayed alongside the prince, up until his death.

How Did the ‘Sleeping Prince’ Die?

Further details about Prince Al-Waleed’s death have not yet been revealed.