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Saudi Arabian Al-Waleed bin Khaled has been in a deep coma since 2005. Family refuses to turn off life support and case goes viral on social media
One of the most exciting Saudi royals returned to prominence in April 2025. Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, known as the “Sleeping Prince”, turned 36 years old and continues in deep coma since 2005, after a serious car accident in London. Twenty years later, the family remains hopeful of recovery, despite irreversible medical prognoses, according to the website Terra.
Accident in 2005 changed the fate of the Saudi prince
At the time of the accident, Al-Waleed had only 16 years old and studied at a British military college. The impact of the crash caused a brain injury severe and irreversible, according to doctors. Since then, he has remained hospitalized at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on mechanical ventilation and tube feeding.
Despite the clinical condition considered permanent, in 2019 the prince would have moved his head and a finger, a gesture that the family interpreted as a sign of awareness.
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Family ignores medical advice and maintains life support
Even after two decades in a coma, Al-Waleed's family refuses any shutdown suggestion of the devices. The father, Khaled bin Talal — a figure known for his conservative stance within the monarchy — says his decision is sustained by faith.
“If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would be in his grave right now.”"he said.
The statement went viral again on social media in April, reigniting the debate about medical ethics, faith and the role of science in irreversible cases.
Who is the sleeping prince? Understand the line of succession
Although it is not among the direct heirs to the throne, Al-Waleed belongs to one of the most influential families in Saudi Arabia:
- Grandson of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, son of the founding King Abdulaziz
- Grandnephew of the current King Salman bin Abdulaziz
- Son of Khaled bin Talal, active member of the conservative wing of the monarchy
