The richest prince in world has finally bid his last goodbye after spending nearly two decades in a coma. Saudi Arabia’s Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud, long known as the “Sleeping Prince,” passed away following a tragic 2005 car crash that left him unconscious for 19 years. The incident, wrapped in mystery and emotion, has once again brought global attention to the life and story of the world’s wealthiest royal youth.
Who Was Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud?
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud was not just another member of the Saudi royal family. He was known for his charm, promising future, and enormous inherited wealth. He was the son of Prince Khalid bin Talal, and part of the immensely powerful House of Saud. Before the crash, he had gained recognition among the royals as one of the most vibrant and admired figures in the kingdom.
The prince’s net worth, though never publicly revealed in full, was estimated to be in the billions. This placed him among the richest prince in world even during his teenage years. Many in the kingdom had high hopes for him, not only as a future leader but also as a symbol of modern Saudi Arabia.
The 2005 Car Crash That Changed Everything
In 2005, tragedy struck. Prince Al-Waleed was involved in a devastating car crash while driving in London. He was only 18 years old when his vehicle collided with another at high speed. Despite emergency medical attention and treatment at top hospitals in the UK and Saudi Arabia, the prince fell into a coma from which he never fully recovered.
The crash left the royal family and the nation in shock. The accident was widely reported in Middle Eastern media, and prayers for his recovery became a routine part of Friday sermons and royal announcements.
The Rise of the ‘Sleeping Prince’
As years passed and the prince remained in a vegetative state, he came to be known as the “Sleeping Prince” in both Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world. His story became one of both heartbreak and hope.
His family, especially his father Prince Khalid bin Talal, refused to give up on him. For 19 years, they funded 24/7 medical care and kept him on life support in their private residence, holding on to any signs of hope. Periodically, short video clips would go viral showing slight physical movements, sparking rumors that he was about to awaken. However, none of those signs resulted in significant recovery.
Despite these challenges, his father maintained the belief that God would bring him back. “He is breathing on his own,” Prince Khalid once said in an interview. “That means he is alive and with us.”
Death Confirmed After Nearly 20 Years
In July 2025, Saudi royal sources confirmed that Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud had passed away. The news quickly circulated across Arab media and international outlets, marking the end of an emotional chapter in the House of Saud.
The funeral was held privately, with limited public presence, as is common in royal customs. Members of the royal family, senior government officials, and close friends were present to pay their respects. Official condolences poured in from leaders across the Gulf and Islamic world, honouring the life and legacy of the richest prince in world.
Massive Wealth and Royal Legacy
The prince was part of one of the wealthiest families in the world. While Prince Al-Waleed was never able to manage or expand his fortune due to his medical condition, his inherited wealth was safeguarded by the royal family’s vast financial network. His holdings included shares in royal land, oil revenues, and other state-linked investments.
His father, Prince Khalid, is the son of the late King Talal and the brother of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, a billionaire businessman and investor with global ties to Citigroup, Twitter, and hotel chains. The family’s financial footprint spans global markets, making their wealth nearly unmatched in scale.
The tragedy of losing a young royal who represented both privilege and potential has been deeply felt by all in the royal circle.
International Reactions and Global Attention
The death of the richest prince in world captured global headlines, especially due to the unique and prolonged nature of his coma. International media outlets highlighted the prince’s early promise, his accident, and the nearly two-decade-long wait for a recovery that never came.
Human rights groups also pointed to his case to raise questions about long-term life support and medical ethics. While many sympathised with the family’s choice to keep him alive in hope, others questioned whether medical intervention should have continued for so long.
Still, for most of the Saudi population and many in the wider Middle East, the prince’s story was one of faith, family loyalty, and emotional strength.
A Symbol of Hope and Sorrow
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid was not a public figure in the traditional sense due to his condition, but his name became known across generations. Children grew up hearing about the “Sleeping Prince” in schools, Friday sermons, and news channels. His life became a symbol of fragility how even the richest prince in world could not escape fate.
The Saudi public had mixed emotions following the announcement of his death. While there was sorrow and mourning, there was also a sense of closure. The story that had been paused for nearly 20 years had finally ended.
The Family’s Emotional Journey
Prince Khalid and his wife have spoken over the years about their son’s condition, always with hope and dignity. The palace released several videos over the past decade showing the prince blinking or moving a finger, often accompanied by Quranic verses and messages of faith.
Despite medical experts insisting that these were not signs of consciousness, the family believed otherwise and continued to invest heavily in his treatment.
Now, as the prince is finally laid to rest, the royal family has requested privacy and prayers for the deceased. Many Saudis have posted on social media, expressing their support and admiration for the family’s long-standing strength and devotion.
The Future Without the Sleeping Prince
As Saudi Arabia undergoes rapid transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the memory of the Sleeping Prince serves as a reminder of the country’s past. While the richest prince in world never got the chance to contribute to the kingdom’s Vision 2030 or be part of its technological and economic growth, his legacy endures.
Some have called for a memorial or a medical research initiative in his name to explore long-term coma treatment and trauma care. Others have suggested that his story be told through a documentary or educational program to inspire people about life’s uncertainties and the power of hope.
Final Thoughts
The richest prince in world has left behind not just material wealth, but an emotional legacy of family, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of life. From a promising youth to a tragic accident, from a prolonged coma to a peaceful farewell, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud’s journey will remain etched in the hearts of millions.
As Saudi Arabia bids goodbye to its Sleeping Prince, the world watches, mourns, and remembers.
Do follow Gulf Magazine on Instagram
Also Read – Gulf News Edufair Dubai: A Free Educational Gateway Starts Friday
