After more than 20 years in a coma, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled Al-Saud has died. He was 36 and had been hospitalized in Riyadh ever since a 2005 car crash left him with severe brain injuries.
The prince’s father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, never gave up hope. Even when doctors said to end life support, he refused, and the family continued to celebrate birthdays and milestones at his bedside.
A notice posted on July 19 said: “The passing of His Royal Highness Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. His funeral prayer will be held – God willing – tomorrow, Sunday, corresponding to 25/1/1447 AH, after the Asr prayer at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in the city of Riyadh.”
Another post from the prince’s dedicated support page said: “With hearts full of faith in Allah’s decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, 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 to Allah’s mercy today.”
One religious council also acknowledged the prince’s father, saying: “As we share the grief with the royal family on this solemn occasion, we recall with deep respect the patience and steadfastness demonstrated by his father, prince Khaled Bin Talal, and his family, a testament to their profound faith.”
Prince Al-Waleed was just 16 when he crashed while studying at a military school in London. He was flown back to Saudi Arabia, where he stayed on life support for the rest of his life.
Despite medical advice, his father kept the machines running and searched the world for possible treatments. In 2019, the prince reportedly made head and finger movements, and his father kept hoping for more signs.
In 2022, his father told a news outlet: “If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now.” His mother also believed her son’s spirit was still present, according to another outlet.
The family’s net worth was said to be more than 16 times that of the British monarchy. Over the years, they reached out to international experts, but nothing changed the outcome.
Prince Al-Waleed’s grandfather, Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, was once listed among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. Their family line traces back to the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, Ibn Saud.
Some people online have called the story heartbreaking and inspiring. One person said: “Imagine how he would feel if he recovered after losing 20 years of his life.”
Another wrote: “Imagine sleeping at age 16 and waking up as a 36 year old though.”
Others questioned the decision to keep him alive for so long, calling it inhumane. But the family stood by their beliefs to the very end.
