The Sleeping Prince is trending. Who is Al-Waleed bin Khalid and what is his story?

The name of Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal, known as the "Sleeping Prince," topped search engines and social media platforms in Saudi Arabia on Friday morning after his aunt, Princess Reema, posted photos of him from his childhood. The images, which conveyed feelings of nostalgia and sorrow, brought the prince's story back to the forefront, as audiences once again engaged with the rare medical condition he has suffered for more than two decades.

An accident that changed fate: How did the story of the sleeping prince begin?

In 2005, Prince Alwaleed was in his early teens when he was involved in a horrific traffic accident that put him in a prolonged coma from which he has not recovered to this day. Since then, he has remained under close medical care, with varying opinions and diagnoses regarding his health. In 2017, an international medical team, including doctors from the United States and Spain, arrived in Saudi Arabia to investigate the possibility of performing surgery to stop a head hemorrhage, but there has been no significant change in his condition.

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Doctrine of Hope: Why did Prince Khalid refuse to remove the devices from his son?

Despite the passage of more than 20 years since the accident, Prince Khaled bin Talal still holds onto hope and strongly rejects the idea of disconnecting his son's life support, saying, "If God had willed for him to die, he would be in his grave now... and the One who preserved his soul is able to heal him." The father's determination stems not only from paternal feelings, but also from a deep faith in God's ability to change fate at any moment. This emotional and touching stance received widespread sympathy from the public and was considered a symbol of immeasurable patience.

36 years of age... and 20 years of silence

On April 18, 2025, the Sleeping Prince turned 36, having been in a coma for 20 years. This poignant milestone drew attention to the depth of the family's tragedy and the long journey they have undertaken, guided by hope, faith, and perseverance. Despite the passage of time, social media remains abuzz with prayers and support, as many see this story as a symbol of loyalty and hope in the face of the impossible.