Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal dies at 36, ending two-decade-long coma
After spending 20 years in a coma caused by a tragic car accident, Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal, has passed away at age 36, sparking global reflection on resilience, medical ethics, and devotion.
A Tragic Accident That Changed Everything
Born on April 18, 1990, Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal and the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, founder of modern Saudi Arabia. In 2005, at just 15 years old, he was studying at a military academy in London when a devastating car accident left him with a severe brain hemorrhage and multiple internal injuries. The incident thrust him into a deep coma that lasted until his death on July 20, 2025.
Life Support and Parental Devotion
Immediately after the accident, Prince Alwaleed was transferred to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he remained on life support. Doctors advised ending treatment in 2015 after classifying his condition as a total coma. However, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, refused, holding onto hope that his son might one day recover. Over the years, Prince Khaled’s decision became a symbol of unwavering faith and paternal love, inspiring many across the Arab world.
Fleeting Hopes of Recovery
Though mostly unresponsive, Prince Alwaleed showed minor signs of activity on rare occasions. In 2019, he reportedly moved his fingers and turned his head in response to stimuli. In 2020, a video posted by his family showed him lifting his hand in response to a woman’s greeting, briefly reigniting hope. However, no further progress was shared after that, and his condition remained unchanged.
A Room Full of Memories
Prince Khaled kept his son’s hospital room decorated for major occasions like Ramadan, Eid, and Saudi National Day. These updates, shared frequently on social media, turned the “Sleeping Prince” into a symbol of endurance and faith for millions. Visitors from around the world—including prominent religious leaders—came to offer prayers and support over the years.
Farewell After Two Decades
The announcement of Prince Alwaleed’s passing was made by the Global Imams Council on July 20, 2025. The statement acknowledged the prince’s long struggle and praised Prince Khaled’s patience and strength. The Council concluded with prayers for Allah’s mercy and comfort for the grieving family.
A Story That Resonates Beyond Borders
Prince Alwaleed’s 20-year coma and his family’s steadfast commitment sparked reflection across Indonesia, Singapore, and beyond, where medical ethics, faith, and familial loyalty remain deeply valued. His story serves as a reminder of how hope and devotion can transcend the bounds of time—even when medicine offers little in return.
Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal’s passing closes a chapter that touched hearts far beyond Saudi Arabia. His 20-year coma was not just a medical case—it became a deeply human story of faith, hope, and the enduring power of a father’s love. For many Indonesians and Singaporeans who hold strong cultural and spiritual values around family and perseverance, his life serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional complexities tied to long-term care and the unspoken sacrifices made by loved ones. The “Sleeping Prince” may be gone, but the devotion his story inspired will resonate for years to come.
Sources: Tempo English (2025) , The Jerusalem Post (2025)
Keywords: Prince Alwaleed, Sleeping Prince, Saudi Royal Family, 20-Year Coma, Prince Khaled, Riyadh
