Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, famously known as Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince,’ marked his 36th birthday on April 18, 2025, while still in a coma nearly two decades after a devastating car accident.
In 2005, while attending a military college in London, the prince suffered a severe brain hemorrhage following a tragic car crash, leaving him in a non-responsive state. He has since remained on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh.
Despite repeated medical advice to end life support, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, has steadfastly refused, holding onto hope that his son will one day recover.
“If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now,” Prince Khaled once said, underscoring his unwavering faith and devotion.
Over the years, Prince Al-Waleed has shown occasional, faint signs of responsiveness, such as slight finger movements and subtle head shifts, though these gestures have not developed into full consciousness. Despite this, his father has remained faithfully by his side, offering constant care and silently nurturing hope.
This year, Prince Al-Waleed’s birthday prompted an outpouring of support across social media. Well-wishers from around the world sent prayers and shared throwback photos of the prince with his family, celebrating his enduring spirit.
Princess Rima bint Talal, a close relative, posted a heartfelt message on X, formerly known as Twitter, writing: “My beloved Al-Waleed, twenty-one years and you are always present in our hearts. O Allah, heal Your servant Al-Waleed.”
As a great-grandson of Saudi Arabia’s founder, King Abdulaziz, Prince Al-Waleed has come to symbolize resilience, patience, and unwavering hope for his family and admirers worldwide. Although doctors view a full recovery as unlikely after so many years in a coma, there remains hope that future medical advancements might one day bring a miracle.
حبيبي الوليد بن خالد واحد وعشرون عامًا وأنت دائمًا حاضر في قلوبنا ، وفي قلوب أحبابك بدعواتنا . اللهم اشفِ عبدك الوليد ؛ فلا يعلم بضعفه إلَّا أنت يارب السماوات والأرض. pic.twitter.com/Axps4tQfXa— ريما بنت طلال (@Rima_Talal) April 18, 2025
Meet the ‘Sleeping Prince’ from Saudi Arabia who recently turned 36 while being in a comma for 2 decades 👇
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, known as the “Sleeping Prince,” turned 36 last Friday
He’s been unconscious since 2005 after a severe car accident in London pic.twitter.com/mMEB3khmDe— The White Snake (@thewhitesnake) April 25, 2025