Prince Al‑Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud—affectionately known as the “Sleeping Prince”—has died at age 36, bringing to a close a vigil that spanned two decades. In April 2005, while studying at a military academy in London, the 15‑year‑old royal was gravely injured in a car crash that left him with catastrophic brain trauma and internal bleeding. From that moment on, he slipped into a coma from which he never awakened.
Flown home to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Prince Al‑Waleed lay in a hospital bed as the world moved on around him. His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud—nephew of billionaire investor Prince Al‑Waleed bin Talal—refused every prognosis of despair. Year after year, he kept his son on life support, transforming the sterile ward into a place of light and faith. During Eid celebrations, Ramadan evenings, and national holidays, the room was adorned with twinkling lights, family photos, and prayers written in vibrant calligraphy, each decoration a testament to a father’s hope.
Over time, “Dede,” as he was lovingly called by relatives, became more than a symbol of medical tragedy; he embodied unyielding loyalty and collective yearning. Pilgrims from across Saudi Arabia journeyed to his bedside, offering whispered prayers in dozens of languages. Prince Khaled shared regular updates on social media, once posting a video from April 2024 showing jubilant Eid decorations around his son’s bed—an image that went viral and united millions in a shared moment of compassion.
On July 19, 2025, after twenty years of steadfast watchfulness, Prince Khaled announced his son’s peaceful passing. In a somber black-and-white photograph posted online, he wrote: “With full faith in Allah’s decree and profound sorrow, we mourn our beloved Al‑Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who has returned to the mercy of Allah today.” The following day, family, friends, and a grieving public gathered for the Janazah prayer, offering one last blessing for a prince who never spoke a word but spoke volumes through his silence.
Though his life unfolded in stillness, Prince Al‑Waleed’s story resonated across borders and faiths, reminding us that love and devotion can transcend even the deepest night. His father’s unwavering vigil painted a portrait of paternal sacrifice, and a nation’s collective prayers illuminated the power of shared hope. In his passing, the “Sleeping Prince” leaves behind a legacy of resilience—proof that the bond between parent and child endures, no matter how long the watch. May he rest in peace, and may his family find solace in the faith and love he inspired in so many.