Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled: A Tragic Accident That Changed Everything
Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a lively 15-year-old Saudi prince, was pursuing aspirations of a bright future while attending a military college in London in 2005. He was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a well-known figure in the Saudi royal family, and was well-known for his potential and desire.
But a devastating car accident shattered those dreams, leaving the young prince in a coma and earning him the poignant nickname, the “Sleeping Prince.” For nearly two decades, his story captivated hearts across Saudi Arabia and beyond, a testament to both human fragility and unwavering familial love. On July 19, 2025, at the age of 36, Prince Al-Waleed passed away, leaving behind a legacy of hope and resilience.
What does it mean to hold onto hope when all seems lost? For Prince Khaled, it meant defying medical advice and keeping his son on life support for 20 years, believing in the possibility of a miracle. The Sleeping Prince is a tale of faith, tragedy, and the unbreakable love between a father and his son.
Who Was Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled?
Born in April 1990, Prince Al-Waleed was a great-grandson of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, and nephew of the renowned billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. As a member of the House of Saud, he was part of a sprawling royal family that has shaped the kingdom’s history. Yet, his life was defined not by titles or wealth but by the tragedy that struck when he was just a teenager.
Al-Waleed was enrolled in a military institution in London at the age of 15, a course that demonstrated his drive and discipline. His future seemed bright, with the potential to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s evolving global presence. But in 2005, a horrific car accident changed everything. The crash caused severe brain injuries and internal bleeding, plunging him into a coma from which he would never fully awaken.
The Accident That Shocked a Nation
The details of the 2005 accident remain heart-wrenching. During his time as a student in London, Prince Al-Waleed was tragically involved in a catastrophic car accident, resulting in a life-threatening brain hemorrhage and a severe traumatic brain injury. Even with prompt medical attention, the damage was disastrous. Tied to life with a ventilator at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, the prince remained unconscious despite the advanced therapies provided by U.S. and Spanish specialists.
The accident not only altered the course of Al-Waleed’s life but also became a national story in Saudi Arabia. Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with updates and prayers for the young prince, who quickly became known as the “Sleeping Prince.” His story resonated deeply, a reminder of how quickly life can change and how hope can persist in the face of despair.
A Father’s Unyielding Faith
Prince Khaled bin Talal, Al-Waleed’s father, became the heart of this story. Despite medical recommendations to discontinue life support, he refused, holding firm in his belief that his son could one day recover. “If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now,” Prince Khaled once said, a statement that encapsulated his unwavering hope.
For two decades, Prince Khaled cared for his son, visiting him regularly and sharing emotional updates on social media. During sacred Islamic occasions, such as Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, he offered heartfelt prayers for Al-Waleed’s recovery, often accompanied by photos or videos that kept the public invested in his story. In June 2025, during Eid al-Adha, Prince Khaled visited his son with his other sons, Saud and Mohammed, and shared a poignant prayer: “O Allah, heal Your servant Al-Waleed – only You know his weakness, O Lord of the heavens and the earth.”
Glimmers of Hope Amid the Silence
Over the years, there were moments that sparked hope. In 2019, Princess Rima bint Talal, Al-Waleed’s aunt, shared a video showing the prince moving his head slightly from side to side. The clip went viral, with many interpreting it as a sign of progress. “The Almighty, the Merciful… Al-Waleed bin Khaled is moving his head from side to side. Praise and thanks be to You, O Lord,” she wrote. In 2020, another video captured Al-Waleed lifting his fingers in response to a woman’s greeting, further fueling optimism.
These small movements, though not indicative of full consciousness, offered glimmers of hope to his family and the public. They became symbols of resilience, shared widely on platforms like X, where users prayed for his recovery. But in spite of these incidents, Al-Waleed continued to be mainly unresponsive, which was a burden for his loved ones.
The Role of Social Media in Keeping His Story Alive
Prince Al-Waleed’s story became a worldwide sensation thanks in large part to social media. On X, users shared updates, prayers, and tributes, often accompanied by hashtags like #SleepingPrince. In April 2025, when Al-Waleed turned 36, his story trended again as Princess Rima posted a touching message: “My beloved Al-Waleed bin Khaled, twenty-one years and you are always present in our hearts and in the prayers of your loved ones.” The post reignited discussions about faith, patience, and the power of hope.
These posts weren’t just updates; they were a collective expression of empathy and solidarity. They highlighted the universal human experience of clinging to hope in the face of uncertainty, making Al-Waleed’s story relatable to people far beyond Saudi Arabia.
The Sleeping Prince’s Final Days
On July 19, 2025, the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia announced the passing of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud through the Saudi Press Agency. His father confirmed the news on X, writing, “With hearts full of faith in Allah’s decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, we mourn our beloved son Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away to Allah’s mercy today.”
Social media was shocked by grief once the news broke, and condolences began to flood in from all over the Arab world. Following the Asr prayer at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh on July 20, 2025, funeral prayers were held. This was followed by three days of mourning. The outpouring of grief reflected the deep connection people felt with Al-Waleed’s story, a narrative that had unfolded publicly for nearly two decades.
A Hoax That Stirred Emotions
Just weeks before his passing, a hoax claiming that Al-Waleed had woken from his coma spread rapidly on social media. The false report briefly reignited hope among followers, only to be debunked, adding to the emotional weight of his eventual passing. This incident underscored the public’s investment in his story and the power of misinformation in amplifying already sensitive narratives.
The Legacy of the Sleeping Prince
Prince Al-Waleed’s story is more than a tragedy; it’s a profound reflection on faith, family, and the human spirit. His father’s refusal to give up, even when faced with medical hopelessness, resonated with millions, sparking conversations about the ethics of life support and the power of belief. In Saudi Arabia, where faith plays a central role in daily life, Al-Waleed became a symbol of patience and trust in divine will.
Lessons in Resilience and Faith
What can we learn from a life suspended between hope and loss? For Prince Khaled, it was about holding onto faith when the odds seemed insurmountable. His dedication to his son’s care, despite years of silence, offers a powerful lesson in love and perseverance. It challenges us to consider how we respond to life’s unpredictability—do we give up, or do we hold on, trusting in something greater?
Al-Waleed’s story also highlights the advancements and limitations of medical science. Despite the involvement of top specialists, his condition remained unchanged, a reminder of the mysteries that still surround brain injuries and comas. Organizations like the Brain Injury Association of America continue to advocate for research and support for those affected by such conditions, emphasizing the need for continued progress in this field. Brain Injury Association of America
A Family’s Enduring Love
The House of Saud is often associated with wealth and power, but Al-Waleed’s story reveals its human side. Prince Khaled’s devotion, Princess Rima’s hopeful updates, and the family’s collective prayers painted a picture of a family united in love. Their story resonates with anyone who has faced the pain of watching a loved one suffer, a universal experience that transcends borders and cultures.
How Al-Waleed’s Story Reflects Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Narrative
Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has undergone significant transformation in recent years, balancing tradition with modernization. Al-Waleed’s story, unfolding against this backdrop, became a point of connection for a nation navigating change. His family’s faith, rooted in Islamic values, mirrored the kingdom’s cultural foundation, while their use of social media to share his journey reflected a growing openness to global engagement.
The public’s response to Al-Waleed’s passing also highlights the role of digital platforms in shaping narratives in Saudi Arabia. As the kingdom embraces technology and connectivity, stories like his bridge the gap between the private lives of royals and the public, fostering a sense of shared humanity.
The Broader Impact on Society
Al-Waleed’s story sparked discussions about end-of-life care, medical ethics, and the emotional toll of prolonged illness. In Saudi Arabia, where family and faith are paramount, his father’s decision to maintain life support resonated deeply. It also prompted broader conversations about the role of hope in medical decisions and the challenges of caring for those in long-term comas. For more insights into these topics, the World Health Organization provides resources on palliative care and ethical considerations in medicine. World Health Organization
Why the Sleeping Prince’s Story Matters Today
In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, the story of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled reminds us to pause and reflect. It’s a story about the fragility of life, the power of hope, and the strength of family bonds. It forces us to consider how we might find purpose when tragedy strikes. How do we support those who are suffering? And how do we hold onto faith when the outcome is uncertain?
As we remember the Sleeping Prince, we’re reminded that every life, no matter how brief or silent, leaves an impact. His story, shared through social media and news outlets, touched millions, offering a glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit. For those who followed his journey, Al-Waleed was more than a prince—he was a symbol of hope, a reminder to cherish every moment, and a testament to the enduring power of love.
Moving Forward: Honoring a Legacy
As Saudi Arabia and the world mourn the loss of Prince Al-Waleed, his story continues to inspire. It encourages us to advocate for advancements in medical research, to support families facing similar challenges, and to hold space for hope, even in the darkest moments. His family’s unwavering faith and the public’s outpouring of support serve as a reminder that we are all connected, bound by shared experiences of love, loss, and resilience.
What will you take away from the Sleeping Prince’s story? Perhaps it’s a renewed appreciation for life’s fragility or a commitment to supporting those in need. Whatever it may be, Prince Al-Waleed’s legacy lives on, not in the silence of his coma, but in the hearts of those who prayed for him, shared his story, and found inspiration in his journey.
