Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Heir': Unraveling the Mystery Surrounding Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled
In a heart-wrenching tale that spanned two decades, Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal, affectionately known as the "Sleeping Prince," endured a coma following a tragic car accident in 2005. The young prince, who was 15 years old at the time and the eldest son of Prince Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, a member of the Saudi royal family, was studying at a military academy when the accident occurred[1][2].
The accident resulted in a brain haemorrhage, plunging Prince Alwaleed into a coma from which he never regained consciousness. Over the years, he was treated by specialized medical teams, including those from outside Saudi Arabia, but his condition remained unchanged[1][2].
His family, led by his grieving father, never wavered in their faith. Every day, the father would go to his son's bedside to pray and recite the Quran, holding onto the belief that God could perform a miracle[1]. His uncle, the renowned Saudi businessman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, also remained a constant source of support throughout this challenging period.
Despite almost no life in the prince's body, his family ensured his hospital room was decorated for significant occasions like Ramadan, Eid, or Saudi National Day[1]. In 2019, a glimmer of hope emerged when his aunt, Princess Rima, shared a video showing him moving his head[1].
However, Prince Alwaleed's journey came to an end on July 16, 2025, at the age of 36. His passing was confirmed by the Royal Court, marking the end of a chapter that had touched many lives across the Middle East[1][2]. Funeral prayers for Prince Alwaleed will be held on Sunday (July 20) at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh[1].
Details about the accident could not be independently verified by Khaleej Times at the time of publishing this article. The cause of his death was not explicitly stated in the reports, but it followed a prolonged period in a coma.
[1] Khaleej Times. (2025, July 16). Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal passes away at the age of 36. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/middle-east/prince-alwaleed-bin-khalid-bin-talal-passes-away-at-the-age-of-36 [2] Arab News. (2025, July 16). Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince' Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid passes away at the age of 36. Retrieved from https://www.arabnews.com/node/1836491/saudi-arabia
In the wake of Prince Alwaleed's passing, his uncle, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, showcased his commitment by remaining a constant source of support during the challenging period. Amid the heart-wrenching two-decade ordeal, the focus wasn't just on the young prince's physical health but also extended to his mental health and overall well-being, as his hospital room was decorated for significant occasions like Ramadan, Eid, or Saudi National Day. Research in health-and-wellness and mental-health publication might reveal insights into the impact of such practices on patients in prolonged comas.
