Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince' Marks 36th Birthday, Coma Nears 20-Year Mark
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal of Saudi Arabia, often referred to as the "Sleeping Prince," recently observed his 36th birthday, a poignant milestone as he remains unconscious, approaching two decades in a coma.
Tragic Accident and Long Vigil
The prince's life took a drastic turn in 2005 when he was involved in a serious car accident in the United Kingdom. At the time, he was pursuing studies at a military college. Following the accident, he slipped into a coma from which he has never awakened.
For nearly twenty years, Prince Al-Waleed has been under medical care at the King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. He relies on life support systems and receives nutrition through a tube.
A Father's Unwavering Hope
His father, billionaire Prince Khaled bin Talal, has maintained a steadfast vigil. Despite a medical recommendation in 2015 to cease life support, Prince Khaled refused, holding onto the hope for a miraculous recovery. "If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now," he stated, expressing his faith.
There was a glimmer of responsiveness reported in 2019 when the prince reportedly made slight movements, such as lifting a finger or turning his head. An old video clip documenting a head movement from that time subsequently went viral online. However, sources indicate there has been no significant improvement in his condition since then.
Public Prayers and Royal Lineage
On his recent birthday, messages of support and prayers for Prince Al-Waleed's recovery surfaced on the social media platform X. Users shared their hopes:
- "Hopefully, he wakes up soon. God, almighty bless him," commented one user.
- Another wrote, "He will definitely come to his senses. May Allah fulfil this mother's wish, Amen."
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal is a member of the extensive Saudi royal family. His grandfather, Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, was a son of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. This lineage makes Prince Al-Waleed a great-grandson of the nation's founder and a great-nephew of the current monarch, King Salman. He is not, however, a direct son or brother of the current king.
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