The Saudi prince Al-Waleed Bin Khaled Bin Talal Al Saud, nicknamed the “sleeping prince”, died on July 19, 2025, after spending almost twenty years in a deep coma state. The announcement of his death was made by his family on social networks, arousing strong emotion in Saudi Arabia and in the Arab world.
The 36-year-old Prince al-Waleed had been the victim of a serious road accident in 2005, when he was studying at the London Military Academy. Since that day, he was kept alive in a persistent vegetative state, despite the medical diagnoses affirming the lack of hope of recovery. His father, Prince Khaled Bin Talal, had however always refused to suspend medical assistance, convinced of a possible healing.
Over the years, videos showing slight movements of the prince’s fingers or eyelids had circulated, nourishing the hope of a miracle in the royal family and public opinion. These images, which had become viral, had strengthened the notoriety of the young prince, affectionately nicknamed “the sleeping prince”.
The funeral took place this Saturday, July 20 in Riyadh, in the presence of many members of the royal family and Saudi dignitaries. Prayers were organized while respecting traditions, with separate ceremonies for men and women.
