The Final Chapter: 5 Things To Know About The Saudi 'Sleeping Prince' Al-Waleed Bin Khalid Bin Talal's Life And Death
The world's longest and most public royal vigil has officially concluded. On July 19, 2025, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud, globally known as the "Sleeping Prince" of Saudi Arabia, passed away at the age of 36, bringing an end to a 20-year medical saga that captivated and moved millions around the globe. This article, updated in late 2025, delves into the prince's life, the tragic accident that changed everything, and the unwavering devotion of his father, Prince Khalid bin Talal, whose hope became a symbol of paternal love and religious faith.
The announcement of his passing, confirmed by the Royal Court, marked the final chapter of a story that began in 2005. For two decades, the prince lay in a coma, sustained by medical technology and the profound belief of his family that a miracle was always possible. His life, though silent, served as a powerful testament to hope, patience, and the deep emotional bonds within the Saudi royal family.
Biography and Profile of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud was a member of the extensive House of Saud, a grandson of the kingdom's founder, Ibn Saud, and a nephew of the renowned billionaire investor, Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Al Saud. His life was tragically cut short, but his identity remains central to the royal family's history of devotion.
- Full Name: Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
- Nickname: The "Sleeping Prince" (الأمير النائم)
- Father: Prince Khalid bin Talal Al Saud
- Mother: Princess Mona bint Abdulaziz
- Grandfather (Paternal): Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
- Uncle: Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Al Saud (Billionaire Investor)
- Date of Birth: April 18, 1989 (approximate)
- Date of Accident: 2005
- Date of Death: July 19, 2025
- Age at Death: 36
- Duration of Coma: Approximately 20 years
- Cause of Coma: Traumatic brain injury from a high-speed car accident
Born into one of the world's most prominent royal families, Prince Al-Waleed was a young man with a future of high expectations. His life took a devastating turn while he was studying at a military college in the United Kingdom, a customary path for many young Saudi royals.
The Tragic Accident and Two Decades of Unwavering Hope
The prince's life changed irrevocably in 2005. He was involved in a high-speed car accident, reportedly while in London, which resulted in severe brain injuries. The trauma left him in a coma, a persistent vegetative state that required continuous life support and medical attention.
Despite the grim prognosis and repeated medical recommendations to discontinue life support, his father, Prince Khalid bin Talal, refused to give up hope. This decision set the stage for the two-decade-long vigil that would define the prince's public life.
A Father's Unshakeable Faith
Prince Khalid bin Talal's devotion became the most compelling aspect of the "Sleeping Prince's" story. He transformed his palace into a permanent medical facility, ensuring his son received the highest level of care.
The father’s stance was not merely a personal decision; it was seen by many across the Arab world as a powerful symbol of religious faith, paternal dedication, and the refusal to abandon hope.
Prince Khalid frequently shared updates on social media, often posting pictures of his son and expressing his belief that God would one day grant his son a miracle. He would often say, "If God wanted him to die in the accident, he would be in his grave now."
Moments That Offered a Glimmer of Hope
Throughout the years, the family shared rare, emotional moments that fueled the public's hope for a recovery. These instances, though fleeting, kept the story in the global spotlight and demonstrated that the prince was still present, even in a minimal state of consciousness.
- Movement of Limbs: On several occasions, videos were shared showing Prince Al-Waleed moving his head or his fingers. In 2015, a clip showed him moving his fingers, and in 2020, another video captured him moving his head from side to side.
- The Pillow Test: His father once shared a moment where the prince appeared to respond to his mother's presence, seemingly reacting to the arrangement of his pillow.
- The Constant Presence: The constant presence of his immediate family, particularly his father and sister, Princess Rima bint Talal, was a constant source of comfort and a demonstration of the family's relentless hope for his awakening.
These small, yet significant, movements were taken by the family as signs that the prince's brain was still functioning and that a full recovery, however unlikely, remained a possibility. This hope was the driving force behind the decision to continue life support for two decades.
The Legacy of the 'Sleeping Prince'
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal's passing in July 2025 marked the end of a unique royal story, but his legacy is one of profound human emotion, resilience, and faith. His 20-year coma transcends the boundaries of royalty, touching on universal themes of life, death, and the limits of medical science.
The story of the "Sleeping Prince" became a global narrative, especially within the Middle East, symbolizing a father's ultimate sacrifice and unwavering commitment. It sparked countless discussions about medical ethics, the definition of life, and the power of hope in the face of insurmountable odds. The family's decision to keep him alive, despite the financial and emotional toll, was a powerful statement against giving up on a loved one.
Following his death, his father, Prince Khalid bin Talal, released a deeply emotional statement, expressing sorrow but also contentment with God's decree. The message, shared widely, was a final, poignant testament to his faith and love: “With hearts that believe in God's decree and are content with His will, we mourn our beloved son, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud. May God have mercy on him.”
The "Sleeping Prince" may have finally found his eternal rest, but the tale of his long sleep and his family’s extraordinary devotion will endure as one of the most moving royal stories of the 21st century. His life, though mostly silent, spoke volumes about the enduring nature of hope and the depth of a father's love.
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