Viral Video Falsely Claims Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Has Awakened
June 18, 2025 – Riyadh:
A viral video circulating across social media platforms has led to widespread misinformation, falsely suggesting that Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal of Saudi Arabia—commonly referred to as the “Sleeping Prince”—has regained consciousness after nearly 20 years in a coma.
The Facts: Video Misidentified
The video in question does not feature Prince Al-Waleed. Instead, it shows Saudi billionaire and rally driver Yazeed Mohamed Al-Rajhi recovering in a hospital following an accident during the Baja Jordan Rally. The footage was incorrectly attributed to the 36-year-old royal, leading many to mistakenly believe he had awakened.
False Claims Spread Quickly
Accompanied by captions such as, “Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal has finally woken up,” the video was widely shared on social media. Some versions of the clip also included emotional text referring to the prince’s father’s unwavering hope and dedication over the years.
Despite its compelling narrative, the video has no connection to Prince Al-Waleed’s condition.
Real Story Behind the Video
According to an official statement from Yazeed Racing, released on April 12, Yazeed Al-Rajhi and his co-driver Timo Gottschalk were hospitalized following a crash in the final stage of the Baja Jordan rally. Both were reported to be conscious and stable. Al-Rajhi suffered fractures in two vertebrae, while his co-driver sustained four spinal fractures.
The video of Al-Rajhi greeting visitors from his hospital bed was later misrepresented as footage of Prince Al-Waleed.
Prince Al-Waleed’s Current Condition
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal has been in a coma since 2005, following a severe car accident. Over the years, there have been reports of minor reflex movements, but he has not regained full consciousness. The prince, who turned 36 on April 18, 2025, continues to receive long-term medical care.
He is the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, and his condition has remained a subject of public concern and media attention for nearly two decades.
Conclusion
The viral video claiming Prince Al-Waleed has awakened is factually incorrect. It highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing, especially when it involves sensitive topics such as health and well-being.
