The story of Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, is one of tragedy, hope, and enduring faith. For nearly two decades, the tragic aftermath of a car accident in 2005 kept Prince Al-Waleed’s name alive in headlines, prayers, and the hearts of millions. His prolonged coma, unwavering family support, and the eventual conclusion of his life captivate audiences worldwide and offer profound lessons about resilience and parental love. This article explores every aspect of Prince Al-Waleed’s life, legacy, and cultural significance as the Sleeping Prince.
Early Life and Royal Lineage
Born on April 18, 1989 (according to some sources, April 1990), Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal and Princess al-Jazi bint Saud. He belonged to the illustrious House of Saud, the dynasty at the helm of Saudi Arabia since its founding. His lineage places him as the grandson of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the nation’s founder. He was also a nephew to the influential businessman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.
- Family’s Status: The House of Saud is synonymous with Saudi leadership, wealth, and global influence.
- Upbringing: Raised in Riyadh with access to elite education and traditions.
- Future Aspirations: Al-Waleed was enrolled in a military academy in London, reflecting hopes of a prestigious public service career.
The Tragic Accident
The Night Everything Changed
In 2005, at the age of 15, while studying at a military academy in London, Prince Al-Waleed’s life took a tragic turn. Driving late at night with friends, their vehicle was involved in a high-speed accident. The force of the crash ejected the prince and his companions through the car’s roof. While his friends survived with minor injuries, Prince Al-Waleed sustained devastating brain hemorrhage and internal injuries.
Immediate Medical Response
- Emergency Surgery: Swift action in the UK to stabilize his condition.
- Coma Induction: Suffered a severe cerebral injury rendering him unresponsive.
- Repatriation: He was soon airlifted to Riyadh and admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City for sustained critical care.
- Initial Prognosis: Leading specialists from Saudi Arabia, America, and Spain declared his injuries irreversible, with initial concerns he might not survive the week.
Medical Struggle and Family Vigil
Life in a Coma
The prince was declared in a persistent vegetative state. Over the years, his condition did not improve beyond minimal bodily responses—occasional finger twitches, changes in blood pressure during Quranic readings, and minor head movements.
The Family’s Devotion
- Father’s Role: Prince Khaled bin Talal spent years at his son’s bedside, refusing all medical advice to discontinue life support.
- Mother’s Suffering and Care: Al-Waleed’s mother, Princess al-Jazi, also spent years living at the hospital, unable to leave her son for extended periods.
- Faith and Hope: The family held tightly to religious beliefs, seeing his continued survival as a sign of divine will.
- Refusal to Withdraw Life Support: Even when doctors suggested ceasing treatment, the family’s commitment stood firm, causing debate within and outside the kingdom.
National and International Attention
From the outset, Prince Al-Waleed’s plight captured the attention of the Saudi public and the wider Arab world. The name “Sleeping Prince” soon entered popular consciousness, used by media outlets and mourners alike.
- Symbol of Resilience: He became a reminder of both human fragility and resilience.
- Media Coverage: Mainstream and social media chronicled every new development, from minor physical responses to viral rumors of recovery.
- Global Sympathy: The story became an international human-interest headline, reflecting the universality of family love and tragedy.
Public Response and Social Media Impact
The Sleeping Prince’s condition coincided with an explosion in social media usage. The family often shared updates—photos and videos of small movements, bedside recitations, and prayers—with a public hungry for good news.
- Viral Videos: Clips of finger movement or head turns, especially during Quranic recitation, gave rise to renewed waves of hope.
- Campaigns and Prayers: Hashtags, prayer chains, and community events proliferated, particularly during Ramadan and other religious festivals.
- Rumors and Misinformation: Occasionally, misleading reports would circulate regarding miraculous awakenings. Each time, family spokespeople or Saudi official media would clarify the stark medical reality.
Years of Uncertainty: Updates, Rumors, and Hope
Minor Signs, Major Hopes
Though remaining in a coma, Prince Al-Waleed occasionally exhibited minimal reactions, such as spontaneous breathing for a short period or heightened responsiveness in the presence of certain relatives or Quranic recitation.
Family’s Perspective
- Father’s 2017 Interview: Prince Khaled recounted the guilt and hope tied to the accident, his deep conviction to never consider withdrawing life support, and periods in which both parents remained by Al-Waleed’s side for years at a time.
- Medical Community: Updates from Saudi, European, and American neurology specialists reinforced the seriousness and rarity of prolonged comas with minimal responsiveness.
Faith, Ethics, and End-of-Life Decisions
Religious faith guided the family’s decisions. In Islam, preserving life is a paramount principle, but debates do exist regarding brain death and the ethics of life support.
- Divine Will: Prince Khaled’s stated view was that only God—not doctors or family—could rightfully determine the prince’s time on earth5.
- Public Debate: Their decision sparked sympathetic understanding from many Saudis, but also raised global bioethical questions.
Passing and Funeral
The End of a Chapter
On July 19, 2025, after nearly twenty years on life support, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud passed away in Riyadh at the age of 36123.
Official Announcements and Mourning
- Royal Court Statement: Confirmed by the Saudi Press Agency and echoed across official and social platforms.
- Father’s Tribute: Prince Khaled posted a verse from the Quran along with an emotional announcement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing submission to God’s will and deep sorrow.
- Funeral Rites: Funeral prayers (Salat al-Janazah) took place at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh for men and at King Faisal Specialist Hospital for women, following traditions of the House of Saud.
- Condolences: Thousands attended, and global leaders, dignitaries, and ordinary Saudis offered their respects online and in person.
Legacy of the Sleeping Prince
Prince Al-Waleed’s life—and especially his twenty years in silence—leaves a complex legacy:
- Symbol of Hope: His case is seen as a testament to the tenacity of faith and the strength of the parent-child bond.
- Medical Case Study: His prolonged survival in a vegetative state has attracted the attention of medical professionals and ethicists.
- Cultural Impact: The term “Sleeping Prince” is now synonymous with perseverance and tragedy in Saudi and Arabic discourse.
- Family and Societal Reflection: The prince’s story continues to inspire conversation about faith, medical technology, and the meaning of endurance.
Timeline: Prince Al-Waleed’s Life and Coma
| Year | Age | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1989/1990 | 0 | Born in Riyadh, eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal |
| 2005 | 15 | Suffers car accident in London; falls into coma |
| 2005–2025 | 15–36 | Remains in coma at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh |
| 2015 | 25 | Doctors advise ending life support; family refuses |
| 2019 | 29 | Brief minor physical responses noted |
| 2025 | 36 | Passes away after 20 years in coma |
Conclusion: Lessons from the Sleeping Prince
The “Sleeping Prince” endures as a story of love, faith, and the intricate interplay of modern medicine and family devotion. His nearly two-decade ordeal, watched with hope, empathy, and sometimes controversy, illuminates deep questions about human dignity, the essence of life, and the responsibilities of family within the shifting boundaries of technological and religious possibility.
His father’s words—accepting God’s will in sorrow and patience—resonate as a testament to the enduring power of faith in adversity.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud’s silent years will continue to influence Arab society, bioethics discourse, and the universal conversation about hope, tragedy, and family. His legacy is not only that of a royal held captive by fate, but as a symbol of hope, endurance, and the search for meaning amid life’s most unimaginable trials.
