Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” has died at the age of 36, nearly two decades after a tragic accident left him in a prolonged coma.

The prince slipped into a coma in 2005 following a car crash in London that caused severe brain hemorrhaging and internal bleeding. He was just 15 years old at the time and remained on life support ever since, never regaining full consciousness.

His passing was announced on Saturday by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter).

“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,” the message read.

Prior to the accident, Prince Al-Waleed was a student at a military college in London. Despite his critical condition, his father remained unwavering in his belief that his son could recover. He consistently rejected medical advice urging the withdrawal of life support, including during a widely publicized moment in 2015.

Over the years, videos shared online showed the prince making slight physical responses — such as moving his fingers and nodding his head — which sparked fleeting hope among supporters, though his condition ultimately remained unchanged.

Prince Al-Waleed was a member of the influential House of Saud. He was a great-grandson of King Abdulaziz (Ibn Saud), the founding monarch of modern-day Saudi Arabia, a nephew to billionaire businessman Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Al Saud, and a great-nephew to the reigning monarch, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Funeral prayers for the late prince are scheduled for Sunday afternoon at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh for men, while the women’s service will be held at King Faisal Specialist Hospital.