Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince” Turns 36 After 20 Years In Coma

 

Prince Al-Waleed, the great-grandson of Saudi Arabia’s founding monarch, King Abdulaziz, has turned 36, after spending 20 years in a coma.

Known widely as the “Sleeping Prince,” Al-Waleed has been in a coma since 2005 following a traumatic car accident while studying at a military college in London.

Despite the passage of nearly two decades and medical experts expressing little optimism for a full recovery, his family has remained steadfast in their faith. 

Doctors have long advised that the likelihood of Al-Waleed regaining consciousness is extremely low after such an extended period in a coma. Yet his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, has refused to give up hope, firmly believing that divine intervention could still change his son’s fate. “If God had wanted him to die, he would have done so at the time of the accident,” Prince Khaled once stated, explaining his decision to continue life-sustaining care.

Over the years, minor signs of responsiveness—such as slight movements—have occasionally sparked renewed optimism, although no significant recovery has been recorded. Al-Waleed’s story continues to capture the hearts of many, serving as a testament to the power of hope even in the face of overwhelming odds. His situation has also inspired countless prayers and well-wishes from around the world, especially on milestones like his birthdays.

For his family and supporters, Prince Al-Waleed represents more than a personal tragedy; he embodies a profound belief in patience, the sanctity of life, and the hope that advances in medical science might one day offer a miracle.