Saudi Arabia: A wave of sorrow swept across social media following the official announcement of the death of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud, affectionately known as “The Sleeping Prince.” He passed away at the age of 36, having spent the past 20 years in a coma after a tragic car accident in 2005.

His father, Prince Khalid bin Talal, shared the heartbreaking news on his account on X (formerly Twitter), quoting a verse from the Qur’an: “O tranquil soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him]. Enter among My [righteous] servants and enter My Paradise.”
He continued: “With hearts that believe in God's will and decree, and with deep sadness and sorrow, we mourn our beloved son, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. May God have mercy on him, who passed away today.”

Prince Khalid also announced that the funeral prayer would be held on Sunday, with mourning gatherings to follow for three days—Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.

As the news spread, social media was flooded with condolences, prayers, and messages of sympathy. Users across the region offered their respects and asked for God’s mercy on the late prince.

Prince Al-Waleed’s story had long captured the hearts of many. In 2005, while studying at a military college, he suffered a severe car accident that left him in a coma. His condition remained unchanged for two decades, despite the efforts of renowned international doctors, including American specialists and a Spanish neurologist.

His family never gave up hope. His father frequently shared updates and photos from his son’s bedside, keeping supporters informed and connected to his journey.

In 2019, a glimmer of hope surfaced when Princess Rima bint Talal shared a video of Prince Al-Waleed moving his head from side to side. She wrote: “The Almighty, the Merciful... Al-Waleed bin Khalid is moving his head from side to side. Praise and thanks be to You, O Lord.” In April this year, she once again posted a photo of her nephew, reviving public attention and touching the hearts of many.

Earlier, she had expressed her emotional bond with her nephew, writing: “My beloved Al-Waleed bin Khalid, twenty-one years and you are always present in our hearts and in the prayers of your loved ones. O Allah, heal Your servant Al-Waleed – only You know his weakness, O Lord of the heavens and the earth.”

Earlier this year, Prince Khalid had also announced medical updates after doctors discovered swelling in the prince’s glands, prompting additional medical tests.

In 2020, after 15 years in a coma, Prince Al-Waleed moved his hand—a moment that rekindled hope and reminded many of the power of faith and perseverance.

For many Saudis, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal became more than just a royal—he became a symbol of resilience, unwavering patience, and deep belief in divine destiny. Though he remained unconscious for two decades, his presence never faded. His story became one of national remembrance, inspiring hope and spiritual endurance in the hearts of millions.