'Sleeping Prince' dies after spending 20 years in coma following devastating car crash

Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal has sadly died.

The 36-year-old Saudi prince was involved in a serious car accident in London in 2005 and had been in a coma ever since.

An incident in England left the then-teenage Prince Al-Waleed with serious brain trauma and internal haemorrhaging. While he received urgent medical treatment for his injuries, tragically, he never regained consciousness.

The prince relied on life support to keep him alive for the last 20 years of his life, which he spent in Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz Medical City.

With his long-lasting coma in mind, Prince Al-Waleed was often referred to as the 'Sleeping Prince'. Now, after two decades on life support, the Saudi prince has passed away.

It was announced yesterday (July 19) that Prince Al-Waleed had died in a statement penned by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud.

He said, as per Mirror Online: "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."

Before his passing, Prince Al-Waleed's last recorded movements were in 2019 when he reportedly lifted a finger and slightly moved his head.

Roya News said that 'he showed signs of limited awareness through small gestures, such as lifting a finger or slightly moving his head—though these moments did not indicate a return to full consciousness'.

People have been paying their respects on social media in the wake of the prince's death.

The Global Imams Council said in a statement: "The Global Imams council extends its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Adbulaziz, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the esteemed Royal Family, on the passing of His Royal Highness Pirnce Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who passed away after a long struggle that lasted nearly twenty years following a tragic accident."

A different person penned: "May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, Rest In Peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones."

"Your time on earth was a blessing to your family and the world in general," added another.

"May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace," wrote someone else.

Reportedly funeral prayers will be held for Prince Al-Waleed at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].