Saudi’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Al-Waleed Quietly Marks 36th Birthday After Nearly 20 Years in Coma
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, widely known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has quietly marked his 36th birthday, a poignant milestone as he remains in a coma that has lasted nearly two decades following a devastating accident.
In 2005, while attending a military college, the young royal suffered a severe head injury in a tragic car crash. Since that life-altering event, Prince Al-Waleed has been under continuous medical care at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, sustained by life-support machines.
A great-grandson of King Abdulaziz—the founder of modern Saudi Arabia—and grandson to Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, Prince Al-Waleed’s royal heritage is deeply entrenched. Although he is not in the direct line to the throne, he shares close familial ties with King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who is his great-uncle.
Over the years, his condition has drawn national and international attention, symbolizing both tragedy and hope within the Kingdom. Throughout this long and difficult journey, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, has remained steadfast in his prayers and belief in the possibility of recovery.
“My son is in the hands of Allah, and we continue to pray for his awakening,” Prince Khaled has consistently shared with well-wishers and the public.
The quiet marking of Prince Al-Waleed’s 36th birthday serves as a bittersweet reminder of his enduring presence in the hearts of his family and many Saudis, who continue to hope for a miracle.
