Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud spent two decades in a medical coma following a devastating car accident. Widely known across global media as the Sleeping Prince, his story captured public attention for twenty years because of his family's unwavering refusal to give up hope. Born on April 18, 1989, his life shifted overnight in 2005 while he was studying at a military academy.
The young prince's journey involves a tragic traffic collision, severe traumatic brain injuries, and a prolonged hospital stay that sparked international discussions regarding medical ethics, family devotion, and long-term life support. While online content often confuses him with his prominent billionaire uncle, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, his actual legacy centers on a poignant personal tragedy that touched millions of hearts worldwide.
The Tragic Accident of 2005
In 2005, Alwaleed bin Khaled was a teenager studying at a military college. While on a trip abroad in London, he suffered a severe car crash that resulted in massive intracranial trauma. Medical teams fought to stabilize him, but the impact caused extensive damage to his brain.
He slipped into a deep coma shortly after the crash. Doctors initially expressed grave doubts about his long-term survival, diagnosing him with irreversible neurological trauma. Despite the grim initial prognosis, his vital signs remained stable enough to keep him on life support systems, transitioning him from emergency critical care into long-term institutional management.
Life as the Sleeping Prince
For twenty years, Alwaleed remained bedridden in a specialized hospital facility in Riyadh, supported by mechanical ventilation and artificial nutrition. Over the years, rare updates and occasional video clips emerged online, showing minor physical movements, such as a slight twitch of a finger or a subtle response to voices. These brief moments of apparent reactivity fueled intense media interest and emotional reactions from supporters across the Middle East.
His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, steadfastly rejected suggestions to disconnect life support systems. Guided by a mixture of parental devotion and faith, his family maintained a fully equipped room and a dedicated medical staff around the clock, hoping for a medical breakthrough that could reverse the coma.
Final Days and Passing
In July 2025, after spending more than twenty years unconscious, Prince Alwaleed passed away at the age of 36. His death was officially announced, drawing condolences from figures across the region and bringing a quiet close to one of the most publicized medical vigils in modern history.
His passing marked the end of an era defined by familial perseverance. Outlets like BBC News and international publications covered his final chapter, highlighting how his decades-long ordeal became a symbol of unconditional parental love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Sleeping Prince ever wake up?
No. Despite occasional unverified rumors on social media and rare instances of minor physical reflexes, he remained in a medically induced or deep unconscious coma for the entirety of the twenty years until his death in 2025.
Who were his parents?
He was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud and Princess Al-Jazi bint Saud. His grandfather was Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz, making him a member of the House of Saud.
Why was he called the Sleeping Prince?
Global media and social network users gave him the nickname because he spent nearly half his life lying unconscious in a hospital bed while remaining physically alive via artificial support.
Is he related to billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal?
Yes. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is his uncle. Public searches often blur the two individuals, but the "Sleeping Prince" refers specifically to Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled.
