Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies Weeks After PRNigeria Debunked Viral Recovery Claim
Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal, widely known as “The Sleeping Prince,” has died nearly two decades after slipping into a coma caused by a devastating traffic accident in London in 2005. His death was confirmed on Saturday by his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal.
His death comes just weeks after a PRNigeria fact-check debunked a viral social media video falsely claiming that the prince had miraculously awoken from his coma.
The funeral prayer for the late prince will be held on Sunday at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, following the Asr prayer.
Prince Alwaleed’s condition drew global attention over the years, both for its tragic longevity and for the steadfast devotion of his father, who consistently declined to remove life support, declaring that the matter of life and death lies with God. Despite occasional movements — such as slight finger or eyelid motions — that sparked moments of hope, the prince never regained full consciousness.
The emotional story of Prince Alwaleed captivated millions, with many around the world offering prayers and following his condition closely. His prolonged vegetative state became symbolic of a father’s unwavering hope and faith in divine intervention.
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His death comes just weeks after a PRNigeria fact-check debunked a viral social media video falsely claiming that the prince had miraculously awoken from his coma. The misleading footage, widely circulated across platforms and messaging apps, featured a man believed to be Prince Alwaleed regaining consciousness, drawing widespread public attention and emotional responses.
However, PRNigeria’s investigative report revealed that the man in the video was not the Saudi prince but rally driver Yazeed Mohamed Al-Rajhi, who was hospitalized briefly in April 2025 following an accident at the Baja Jordan rally. Al-Rajhi has since recovered, and the footage showing him in a medical setting was misattributed to Prince Alwaleed, resulting in a wave of misinformation.
Medical experts had previously confirmed that Prince Alwaleed remained in a vegetative state at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, with no substantial signs of consciousness throughout the 20-year period. His case often resurfaced in the media, especially after brief physical movements were recorded and shared publicly.
The PRNigeria report highlighted how the prince’s high-profile status and the emotional nature of his story made him a frequent subject of misinformation. The outlet stressed the critical need for verifying health-related claims, especially when they involve prominent public figures.
“Circulating unverified content can mislead the public, cause emotional distress to families, and contribute to the spread of fake news,” PRNigeria cautioned in its analysis.
The fact-checking organization also urged journalists and social media users to consult credible sources and verify information before sharing viral content, reaffirming its commitment to combating misinformation through evidence-based reporting.
Prince Alwaleed’s death marks the end of a deeply poignant chapter in Saudi Arabia’s modern royal narrative — a story that has moved many with its themes of tragedy, faith, and enduring parental love.
By PRNigeria
