Saudi Arabia’s Heartfelt Goodbye: ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies Following Long Coma
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia’s Heartfelt Goodbye: ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies After 20-Year Coma
Riyadh, July 22, 2025 — Saudi Arabia is in mourning after the death of Prince Al‑Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, known across the Arab world as the “Sleeping Prince.” He passed away on July 19, 2025, at age 36, after spending 20 years in a coma — a journey that became both a national symbol of hope and a deeply personal family vigil.
🛌 The Long Sleep
Prince Al‑Waleed fell into a coma in 2005, at just 15 years old, following a traumatic brain injury from a car accident in London while training as a military cadet. He never regained full consciousness.
For two decades, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, a prominent member of the royal family, stood by him. He refused to end life support, believing in the power of faith and the possibility of a miracle. Occasional signs of reflexive movement sparked both public speculation and widespread compassion.
🕌 A Nation Grieves
The prince’s funeral prayers were held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh on July 20, drawing family members, royals, religious leaders, and citizens. Separate prayers for women were held at King Faisal Specialist Hospital.
Across social media, the hashtag #SleepingPrince trended as Saudis and others from across the Middle East paid tribute to a life frozen in time but never forgotten.
📜 A Legacy of Hope and Devotion
Prince Al‑Waleed’s story resonated because it captured a father’s unyielding hope, a family’s endurance, and a country’s collective empathy. For many, he became a quiet but powerful reminder of life’s fragility — and the strength of love that endures in the face of uncertainty.
“He never spoke a word for 20 years,” one mourner posted, “but his silence moved a nation.”
🔍 Fast Facts:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Prince Al‑Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal |
| Born | April 1990 |
| Died | July 19, 2025 |
| Age | 36 |
| Cause of Coma | Car crash, London (2005) |
| Time in Coma | 20 years |
| Burial & Prayers | July 20, Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, Riyadh |
💬 Public Reaction
Across Saudi Arabia, flags flew at half-mast, and condolences poured in from royalty, religious leaders, and international figures. Memorials and special Quran readings were held in several cities in his honor.
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