Prince Al Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, famously known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince”, has died nearly two decades after falling into a coma.
The prince, nephew of billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, suffered a severe car accident in 2005 that left him comatose and dependent on life support.
His family announced his passing in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, expressing “profound sadness and sorrow.” They also revealed that his funeral would take place in Riyadh on Sunday.
Prince Al Waleed became a symbol of hope and resilience across the Arab world, with many praying for a miracle recovery. In 2019, a video showing him slightly moving his fingers reignited public hope, despite his prolonged condition.
Over the years, family members periodically shared images and updates on his health, often depicting the prince surrounded by medical devices and adorned with the Saudi national flag — a sign of national pride and unity.
His death has sparked widespread tributes from citizens, dignitaries, and social media users, marking the end of a 20-year vigil that deeply moved millions across the region.