Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, often called Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince,’ celebrated his 36th birthday on April 18, 2025, while remaining in a coma nearly twenty years after a tragic car accident.
In 2005, while studying at a military college in London, Prince Al-Waleed suffered a severe brain hemorrhage following a car crash, leaving him in a non-responsive state. Since then, he has been kept on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh.
Despite repeated medical advice suggesting the withdrawal of life support, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, has consistently refused, holding firm to his faith that his son might one day recover.
“If God had intended for him to die in the accident, he would have passed then,” Prince Khaled once said, reflecting his steadfast belief and dedication.
Over the years, Prince Al-Waleed has shown occasional, faint movements, such as slight finger twitches or small head motions, but these have not developed into full consciousness. Nonetheless, his father has remained by his side, providing unwavering care and silent hope.
This year, the prince’s birthday drew widespread attention and heartfelt messages on social media. Supporters around the world offered prayers and shared nostalgic photos of Al-Waleed with his family.
Princess Rima bint Talal, a close family member, shared a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “My dear Al-Waleed, twenty-one years and you remain ever present in our hearts. O Allah, grant healing to Your servant Al-Waleed.”
As a great-grandson of Saudi Arabia’s founder, King Abdulaziz, Prince Al-Waleed has come to represent resilience, endurance, and hope for his family and admirers globally. While medical experts believe a full recovery is unlikely after so many years in a coma, the possibility of future medical advancements continues to keep hope alive.
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