Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled: Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince' Passes Away

Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, often referred to as Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince,' passed away on July 19, 2025, after nearly two decades in a coma following a severe car accident in 2005. At the age of 36, his death marks the end of a long and tragic chapter in the lives of his family and the Saudi community.

The accident, which occurred when Prince Alwaleed was just 15 years old, resulted in catastrophic brain hemorrhaging and internal injuries, leaving him in a persistent vegetative state. Following the incident, he was transported back to Saudi Arabia and admitted to the esteemed King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained under intensive medical care. Despite the efforts of a team of specialists from both the United States and Spain, he never regained consciousness, remaining on life support for the duration of his coma.

According to a statement from the Global Imams Council (GIC), the organization extended condolences to the Saudi royal family, acknowledging the profound struggle faced by Prince Alwaleed and his family over the past twenty years. The statement emphasized the strength and steadfastness of his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, during this challenging period, highlighting the family’s faith and resilience.

Born in April 1990, Prince Alwaleed was not only the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal but also the nephew of the billionaire businessman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud. Prior to the accident, he was reportedly pursuing military training at a London cadet academy, demonstrating aspirations to serve his country.

The medical community recognizes that traumatic brain injuries, particularly those involving deep cerebral hemorrhaging, can lead to significant and often irreversible neural damage. Dr. Emily Carter, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins University, explains, “The prognosis for recovery from such severe brain trauma is typically poor. Factors such as genetics and the extent of initial brain damage play critical roles in determining outcomes.” In Prince Alwaleed's case, the irreversible damage sustained in the accident prevented any meaningful recovery, with only reflexive movements observed during his two decades in a coma.

The news of his passing was met with an outpouring of grief across social media, particularly from members of the royal family. In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), his father expressed his sorrow, writing, “O reassured soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him], and enter My Paradise.”

Prince Alwaleed’s funeral prayers were scheduled for July 20, with separate services for men and women taking place at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque and King Faisal Specialist Hospital, respectively. Condolences were accepted at the family residence, Al-Fakhriyah palace, until July 22.

The legacy of Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled extends beyond his tragic circumstances. His story underscores the importance of awareness surrounding traumatic brain injuries and the profound impact they have not just on individuals, but on families and communities as well. As the kingdom mourns the loss of a young prince whose life was marked by adversity, conversations about health, resilience, and the value of life support systems are likely to resurface.

As Saudi Arabia reflects on the life of Prince Alwaleed, it is also a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of familial bonds in the face of unimaginable hardship. The royal family's experience serves as a testament to the personal and societal ramifications of long-term illness, and the support systems that accompany such journeys.