The “Sleeping Prince” of Saudi Arabia has passed away after spending the last 20 years in a coma following a horrific car crash.

In 2005, when Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled Al-Saud was just 15 years old and studying as a military cadet in London, he suffered a catastrophic car accident that caused a brain hemorrhage and internal bleeding, per the New York Post.

Despite immediate medical intervention, the injuries left him in a permanent coma.

He was flown back to Saudi Arabia and hospitalized at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he would remain for the rest of his life.

While he occasionally showed signs of physical response, the prince sadly never regained full consciousness.

Prince Al-Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, who steadfastly refused to give up hope for his son’s recovery. He famously rejected calls to remove life support and remained actively involved in his care for nearly 20 years.

His father broke the news of his passing in a deeply emotional post on X, formerly Twitter, quoting from the Quran: “With hearts believing in Allah’s 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.”

In a moving display of familial devotion, Prince Khaled was often seen by his son’s side, including during hospital visits with Al-Waleed’s younger brothers, Prince Saud and Prince Mohammed.

During one such visit, he asked the public to pray for his son’s recovery and awakening.

The announcement of Prince Al-Waleed’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief online, with the hashtag “Sleeping Prince” trending across social media platforms.

“May Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, Rest In Peace. Deepest sympathies to his loved ones,” one user wrote.

Funeral prayers for the prince will be held at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. Thousands are expected to attend, honoring a life that touched many despite its tragic course.

Our thoughts are with Prince Al-Waleed’s loved ones during this difficult time.