Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, famously known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” passed away after spending nearly 20 years in a coma following a tragic car accident in 2005. His story of survival, hope, and unwavering love has touched millions across the globe.
Here are 10 interesting and emotional facts about the life of Prince Al-Waleed that you probably didn’t know.
1. The World Called Him the “Sleeping Prince”
Prince Al-Waleed was nicknamed the “Sleeping Prince” by the media and public after he fell into a coma in 2005. Despite being unconscious for two decades, his story remained alive, inspiring hope and faith across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
2. His Life Changed in a Flash
At just 15 years old, the prince was involved in a horrific car accident while studying at a military college in London. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding, which left him in a vegetative state for the rest of his life.
3. A Life Surrounded by Faith and Prayer
Prince Al-Waleed’s hospital room became a spiritual sanctuary, where Quranic verses were regularly recited. Amazingly, he occasionally responded with small movements during these moments, like raising a finger or blinking.
4. A Father’s Undying Love
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, refused to withdraw life support, despite the medical odds. His devotion to his son became a symbol of hope and unconditional love in the Arab world. He believed strongly in divine healing and never gave up.
5. Viral Videos Moved Millions
Footage of Prince Al-Waleed showing subtle signs of reflexes went viral several times on social media platforms like X and YouTube. These clips sparked emotional responses, prayers, and worldwide attention to his condition.
6. A Global Team Monitored His Health
Prince Al-Waleed was cared for by an elite medical team, including doctors from the United States, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. He was treated using advanced equipment and technology but remained in a persistent vegetative state.
7. He Belonged to a Powerful Royal Lineage
He was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal and the nephew of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, one of the richest men in the Middle East. Prince Al-Waleed’s life was once expected to follow a prestigious royal path before fate took a tragic turn.
8. He Defied All Medical Expectations
Medical experts usually estimate that patients in vegetative states do not survive more than a few years. However, Prince Al-Waleed lived for almost 20 years, becoming a rare case in modern neurological history.
9. A Nation Mourned His Passing
On July 19, 2025, Prince Al-Waleed passed away at the age of 36. His funeral prayers were held in Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, where thousands gathered to bid farewell to the prince they never gave up on.
10. His Story Will Be Told for Generations
Though he never regained full consciousness, Prince Al-Waleed’s life became a symbol of strength, spiritual belief, and the power of family love. His journey has left a lasting legacy across the Arab world and beyond.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled’s life was not defined by his coma—but by the hope he inspired, the love he received, and the strength he symbolized. His 20-year-long medical battle, along with his father’s relentless faith, will remain a moving story of human resilience.