Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, famously known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away after spending nearly two decades in a coma. His death was confirmed on Sunday, July 21, 2025, bringing an emotional close to one of the most remarkable and tragic medical stories in the Arab world.
The prince, son of Saudi billionaire Prince Khaled bin Talal and nephew to billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, slipped into a coma in 2005 following a car accident while studying at a military college. At the time, he was just 18 years old. Despite grim medical predictions, his family refused to give up on him, keeping him on life support in a private hospital room in Riyadh.
Over the years, Prince Al Waleed’s condition captured international attention. Videos posted by his family occasionally showed subtle movements—such as blinking or twitching his fingers—which gave loved ones and supporters hope of recovery. The footage often trended across Arabic-speaking platforms, earning him the nickname “Al-Amir Al-Naim” (The Sleeping Prince).
In 2021, a viral video reignited hope as it appeared to show him lifting his hand in response to a voice—an emotional moment that his family called a “miracle sign.” Thousands across the Middle East and beyond began following updates with prayers, hashtags, and emotional tributes pouring in each year on his birthday and coma anniversary.
Medical specialists had long debated the accuracy of the movements, with some suggesting they were reflexive rather than conscious. However, his family remained steadfast in their belief that their son would wake up. Prince Khaled often spoke publicly about the sanctity of life and his decision to resist pulling the plug, despite suggestions from doctors.
The prince’s passing was announced through official family channels and confirmed by several prominent Gulf media outlets, including The National. His funeral will be held in Riyadh this week, with dignitaries and royal family members expected to attend. Mourners across the kingdom have expressed grief, calling his journey one of “hope, faith, and unyielding love.”
Tributes continue to flood in from across the globe, with many remembering the Sleeping Prince as a symbol of endurance and a reminder of the fragility of life. “For 20 years, he slept—but his story awakened humanity,” one user wrote on X. His name will remain etched in modern Saudi history as one of the longest-known coma patients in royal circles.
