Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud spent more than 20 years in a coma following a car accident in London, which left him with severe brain injuries
Katy Hallam and Chiara Fiorillo
20:34, 19 Jul 2025
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud
A Saudi prince who spent two decades in a coma following a devastating car crash in London has passed away, his father has announced.
Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, died at the age of 36.
He became known as the “Sleeping Prince” after spending more than 20 years in a coma, following a tragic accident when he was just 15 years old whilst studying as a military cadet in London.
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He sustained severe brain injuries and internal bleeding in the crash, and despite emergency medical treatment, he never fully regained consciousness.
He was treated at King Abdulaziz Medical City and remained on life support until his death.
His devastated father announced the tragic news on social media, posting: “With hearts believing in Allah will and decree, and with deep sorrow and sadness, we mourn our beloved son: Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away today.”
Prince Khaled stayed devoted to his son throughout the years and refused to consider withdrawing life support.
During a hospital visit with his sons Saud and Mohammed, Prince Al-Waleed’s younger brothers, Prince Khaled requested prayers that his son might recover and awaken from his coma, reports the Mirror.
Although there were occasional minor physical responses from the prince that offered hope he might be improving, he remained in a critical state until his death.
His hospital room regularly welcomed visitors who came to offer prayers and support.
The funeral prayers for the prince are scheduled to take place on Sunday at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
Following Prince Khaled’s announcement on X, numerous individuals expressed their condolences.