Who Was Prince Al-Waleed?
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, dubbed the “Sleeping Prince,” was a member of the Saudi royal family who gained global attention after spending 20 years in a coma before his eventual passing. His story remains one of the most intriguing medical mysteries and royal controversies in Saudi Arabia.
A cousin of King Salman and a descendant of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, Prince Al-Waleed was once a bright and active young royal. However, his fate took a dramatic turn in 2005 when he was found unconscious under circumstances that remain debated to this day.
The Mysterious Incident That Led to a 20-Year Coma
In 2005, Prince Al-Waleed, then 22 years old, was suddenly discovered in critical condition. Some reports claimed he suffered a heart attack or stroke, while others speculated that external factors may have been involved.
Several theories circulated:
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Car Accident – Some sources suggested he was in a severe crash that caused brain damage.
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Poisoning – Rumors swirled that he may have been a victim of royal family power struggles.
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Undiagnosed Medical Condition – Some doctors theorized he may have had an underlying neurological disorder.
However, no official explanation was ever provided by the Saudi government regarding the exact cause of his coma. His family kept his medical details private, fueling widespread speculation.
Life in a Coma: Exclusive Care & Controversy
For 20 years, Prince Al-Waleed was kept alive in a specialized medical facility in Riyadh, equipped with cutting-edge life-support systems. The royal family spared no expense in sustaining him, employing the world’s most advanced medical technology.
Key facts about his care:
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He was monitored by a dedicated medical team working around the clock.
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His family rejected euthanasia or withdrawing life support, in line with religious and royal traditions.
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Reports indicated he occasionally showed minimal signs of responsiveness, such as eye movements, but never regained full consciousness.
His case sparked ethical debates:
✔ Supporters praised his family’s unwavering dedication to his care.
❌ Critics questioned the ethics of prolonging life in a vegetative state for decades.
His Death & Legacy
Prince Al-Waleed finally passed away in 2024, after two decades in a coma. His funeral was held privately, attended only by close family and senior royals.
Though he never held political power, his story left behind a lasting legacy:
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A Symbol of Family Loyalty – His family’s commitment to his care became a topic of medical and moral discussion.
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An Unsolved Mystery – The true cause of his coma remains a closely guarded royal secret.
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Global Debate on Life & Death – His case reignited worldwide discussions on the ethics of long-term life support.
Conclusion: Tragedy Behind Royal Opulence
Prince Al-Waleed may not have been as famous as other Saudi royals like Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), but his life story reveals a darker side of royalty—where power, secrecy, and human tragedy intertwine.
His death closes the chapter on the “Sleeping Prince,” but the mystery behind his 20-year coma may never be fully uncovered.
What do you think? Was keeping him alive for decades the right decision?