A prince trapped in time: This Saudi royal has not opened his eyes in the past 20 years
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, widely known as Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince,' turned 36 on April 18, 2025. Despite the passing of years, his world remains frozen in time. Since 2005, he has been in a coma, the result of a severe brain injury sustained during a car crash in London while he was attending military college. For two decades, the prince has remained unconscious, cared for by a dedicated medical team at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh.
His condition has remained largely unchanged, according to Roya News. 'The prince remains on life support, relying on mechanical ventilation and a feeding tube. The last documented movements occurred in 2019, when he reportedly showed signs of limited awareness through small gestures, such as lifting a finger or slightly moving his head—though these moments did not indicate a return to full consciousness.'
Family's Enduring Faith
Doctors initially recommended removing life support after the accident. However, Prince Al-Waleed's father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, firmly rejected this course. He expressed his conviction, saying, 'If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now.' His refusal was rooted in faith and an enduring hope that his son might one day regain consciousness.
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The prince's mother, Princess Reema bint Talal, has also spoken of sensing her son's presence, maintaining a belief in the vitality of his spirit. Over the years, while there have been no significant changes in his condition, the family's commitment has never faltered. No official statement was released this year, but social media saw renewed attention, with many sharing prayers and photos of Prince Al-Waleed with loved ones.
Royal Ties and Legacy
Prince Al-Waleed is a member of the powerful
Saudi royal family
but is not directly in line to the throne. His grandfather, Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, was one of the many sons of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. This makes Prince Al-Waleed a great-grandson of King Abdulaziz. The current monarch, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is also a son of the founding king, making him Prince Al-Waleed's great-uncle.
His uncle, Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, is a well-known billionaire and international investor, further highlighting the prominence of the family within the Kingdom and beyond.
Every year on his birthday, there is a wave of online engagement, with messages of support and remembrance. The prince's story continues to stir emotions both in Saudi Arabia and internationally, as it underscores the fragility of life, even in royal circles.
Despite the passage of 20 years, the Saudi royal family—especially his parents—have never abandoned hope.
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