July 20, 2025: Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, referred to as “Sleeping Prince“, has passed away at the age of 36, nearly two decades after slipping into a coma following a tragic car accident in London in 2005.
The prince was just 15 years old when the accident occurred while he was studying at a military college in the UK. He sustained severe brain injuries and internal bleeding, which left him in a persistent vegetative state. After initial treatment abroad, he was moved to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained on life support under constant medical supervision for almost 20 years.
In a heartfelt statement, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, said:
“With hearts full of faith in Allah’s decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, we mourn our beloved son Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away to Allah’s mercy today.”
The Global Imams Council also issued condolences to the Saudi Royal Family and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying:
“The Global Imams Council extends its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy… on the passing of Prince Alwaleed, who passed away after a long struggle that lasted nearly twenty years following a tragic accident.”
Over the years, rare footage of minor movements—like the flicker of a finger—offered faint glimmers of hope, but full consciousness never returned despite treatment by medical experts from the U.S. and Spain. His father, a vocal advocate for keeping his son on life support, repeatedly emphasized that only God could decide the moment of death.
Born in April 1990, Prince Alwaleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal and a nephew of billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.
Funeral prayers will be held on Sunday, July 20, after the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
Prince Alwaleed’s long and courageous fight captured the attention and prayers of millions across the Arab world, turning him into a symbol of perseverance and faith.