Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, marked his 36th birthday on April 18, 2025, after spending nearly two decades in a coma. The prince’s condition has drawn public attention and sympathy, with many admiring his family’s resilience and devotion to his care.
Al-Waleed has been unconscious since 2005, when a car accident in London resulted in a severe brain hemorrhage. Despite medical uncertainty and recommendations to discontinue life support, his parents, Prince Khaled bin Talal and Princess Reema bint Talal, have refused to give up hope. “If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now,” Prince Khaled said, expressing his faith in divine intervention.
The prince’s mother, Princess Reema, shared emotional messages of faith, describing her son’s soul as still present and holding onto hope for his full recovery. On his birthday, images depicted Al-Waleed surrounded by family, reflecting their support and commitment to his care.
Although Al-Waleed has shown small signs of movement, such as raising a finger or turning his head, these have not led to full consciousness. His condition remains complex, with doctors unable to confirm whether he is in a minimally conscious state without detailed neurological evaluation.
The “Sleeping Prince’s” story has touched hearts globally, symbolizing hope, patience, and familial devotion. As his family continues to care for him at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, many people have shared prayers and messages of hope for his recovery on social media.