Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Turns 36: A Story of Unbreakable Hope After Two Decades in a Coma

On April 18, 2025, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, affectionately known as Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince,’ marked his 36th birthday while still in a coma nearly two decades after a life-altering car accident. Across the world, prayers, well-wishes, and messages of hope flooded social media platforms, a testament to how deeply his story of resilience has touched millions.

It was in 2005 that tragedy struck the young prince’s life. At the time, he was a promising student at a military college in London, building a future that seemed destined for greatness. But fate took a cruel turn when a devastating car crash caused a severe brain hemorrhage, leaving him in a non-responsive state from which he has never fully awakened. Since that day, Prince Al-Waleed has remained on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, surrounded by the love and unwavering faith of his family.

Over the years, medical professionals have recommended ending life support, citing the grim prognosis and the extraordinary length of his coma. However, his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, has never wavered in his decision to keep his son alive, rooted firmly in his deep religious faith and paternal devotion. “If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now,” Prince Khaled once said, his voice heavy with emotion and conviction. To him, every heartbeat of his son is a divine sign that hope should never be abandoned.

Though Prince Al-Waleed remains largely unresponsive, there have been fleeting moments over the years that ignited sparks of optimism within his family and supporters. Subtle finger movements, faint head shifts, and slight changes in breathing have been witnessed, small miracles that, while not a sign of full recovery, have been interpreted as gestures of endurance and silent communication from the prince himself. These tiny signals, almost imperceptible to outsiders, are powerful reminders to his family that he is still fighting silently within.

This year, the prince’s birthday became more than a private family affair. Across social media, waves of support surged as people from around the globe sent prayers and heartfelt messages. Throwback photos of Prince Al-Waleed during his younger years circulated widely, showing a smiling, vibrant young man full of life, ambition, and promise before tragedy struck. Among the most touching tributes came from Princess Rima bint Talal, a close family member, who took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share an emotional message. “My beloved Al-Waleed, twenty-one years and you are always present in our hearts. O Allah, heal Your servant Al-Waleed,” she wrote, capturing the enduring love and sadness that has surrounded the prince’s long and uncertain journey.

Born into royalty as a great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, Prince Al-Waleed’s life was once viewed as a thread in the grand tapestry of the kingdom’s future. Today, his story has evolved into a symbol of patience, faith, and hope for many. His prolonged fight against insurmountable odds has struck a chord with countless people who see in him not just a prince, but a symbol of human resilience. Even in his silence, he speaks volumes about the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering loyalty of family.

Despite the passing of years and the often bleak medical outlook, hope for a miracle has never entirely vanished. Advances in medical science continue to bring about new possibilities for coma patients, and Prince Khaled remains steadfast in his belief that his son’s awakening could still come to pass. For the family, it is not merely a question of medicine, but a test of faith—a belief that divine intervention could triumph where human knowledge falls short.

Inside the hospital room where Prince Al-Waleed rests, life goes on in a carefully maintained routine. Medical equipment hums quietly, monitoring every heartbeat and breath. Family members visit frequently, speaking to him, reading prayers, and ensuring that he remains surrounded by voices of love. They speak to him as though he might respond at any moment, maintaining a human connection that doctors say is crucial, even if the odds seem remote.

His 36th birthday serves as a bittersweet milestone—another year added to a life suspended between worlds, yet another reminder of how quickly life can change and how stubbornly hope can endure. In a world often characterized by rapid change and fleeting loyalties, the story of the ‘Sleeping Prince’ stands apart, a timeless tale of unwavering devotion against the heaviest of burdens. It asks difficult questions about life, faith, and perseverance, yet provides no easy answers—only the quiet, enduring testament of a father’s love and a family's refusal to give up.

As social media buzzed with memories, prayers, and tributes, it was clear that Prince Al-Waleed’s story transcends borders, cultures, and languages. His journey reminds people everywhere that while life can be heartbreakingly fragile, hope can be equally unbreakable. His still form, lying quietly in a hospital room in Riyadh, continues to inspire a world that desperately needs stories of courage and perseverance.

As he turns 36, no one can say for sure what the future holds for the ‘Sleeping Prince.’ Perhaps he will remain in his suspended state, his story continuing to inspire quietly from a hospital bed. Or perhaps, in a twist that would shock the world and fulfill years of prayers, he might one day open his eyes and speak again. Until then, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal remains a living testament to love that never gives up, hope that never fades, and faith that no hardship can extinguish.