By Ghazali Ibrahim 
Nearly 20 years after a tragic accident left him in a coma, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, famously known as the “Sleeping Prince,” has marked his 36th birthday.
Prince Al-Waleed’s life changed forever in 2005 while he was studying at a military academy. A devastating car crash caused a traumatic brain injury, plunging the young royal into a coma from which he has yet to awaken.
Since that day, he has been kept alive by advanced medical care at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, with machines sustaining his vital functions.
Born into Saudi Arabia’s storied royal lineage, Prince Al-Waleed is the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, and the grandson of the influential Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz.
Though not in the direct line of succession, he shares close family ties with King Salman bin Abdulaziz, his great-uncle.
Throughout the long years, Prince Al-Waleed’s family especially his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud has refused to give up hope.
Against all odds, they have remained steadfast, believing in the possibility of a miraculous awakening.
Moments of slight movement from the prince have, from time to time, stirred waves of renewed hope and emotional support across the kingdom and beyond.
