Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal passes away after a battle with illness. The “Sleeping Prince” ends a 20-year journey.
The family of Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, known as the “Sleeping Prince,” announced his death on Saturday, July 19, 2025, after a long battle with illness that spanned more than two decades. The prince had been in a coma since 2005 following a car accident while studying at a military college in London.
Background on “The Sleeping Prince”
Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal, 36, is the nephew of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, the well-known Saudi billionaire and global investor. Born on April 18, 1989, the prince was studying at a military college in London when he was involved in a tragic accident that changed the course of his life.
Accident and long coma
In 2005, Prince Alwaleed was involved in a tragic car accident while studying in London, which resulted in a brain hemorrhage. Since then, he has been in a deep coma and on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh.
Despite repeated medical advice to turn off life support, his father, Prince Khalid bin Talal, refused to abandon his son and continued to pay exorbitant medical costs in the hope of his recovery. According to reports, the monthly cost of his treatment amounted to approximately one million Saudi riyals.
A symbol of hope and resilience
Over the years, Prince Alwaleed has become a symbol of hope and resilience in the Arab world. Millions around the world have followed his story and prayed for his recovery. His family has occasionally shared videos and photos of him on life support, sparking an outpouring of sympathy and support from the public.
In one touching photo, the prince is draped in the Saudi Arabian flag with the phrase “Our homeland is in our hearts.” A video posted five years ago shows the prince gesturing, giving hope to followers who had hoped for his full recovery.
Social media influence
Prince Alwaleed gained widespread fame on social media, where users shared his story and photos, earning him the nickname “The Sleeping Prince.” His story evoked feelings of compassion and love, reminding people of the importance of patience and faith in the face of adversity.
Family and Funeral Statement
The family posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) expressing “deep sorrow and grief” over the prince’s death. They announced that the funeral prayer will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025, after the Asr prayer at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.
audience interaction
Since the announcement of the prince’s death, a wave of grief has swept social media, with users sharing messages of condolences and prayers for the deceased and his family. Many expressed their admiration for the family’s patience and determination in not abandoning the prince over these long years.
The legacy of “The Sleeping Prince”
Although Prince Alwaleed spent the last two decades of his life in a coma, his story will live on in the memories of many as a tale of hope, patience, and familial love. His story was a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of appreciating every moment.
The “Sleeping Prince” has become a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity, and his story will remain an inspiration to many who face similar challenges in their lives. Farewell, Sleeping Prince, you have finally woken up in a better world.
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