The internet was recently stirred by a viral video that captured the attention and emotions of countless viewers. Claimed to be the miraculous moment when Saudi Arabia’s Sleeping Prince Waking Up from Coma. Video clip claims Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, woke up after being in a coma for 20 years, the footage made rounds on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.
With text overlays and touching captions, the video was widely shared with emotional messages celebrating what seemed to be an unbelievable medical recovery. But as with many sensational stories online, the truth is more complex — and in this case, completely different.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal has been in a coma since 2005, when he suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. Since then, his condition has drawn public interest due to his royal lineage and the unwavering support of his family, particularly his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal.
Over the years, many people have followed his story, holding onto hope for a miracle. So, when this new video appeared, it naturally drew widespread attention and sympathy. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the video does not feature the prince at all.
The Real Identity Behind the Viral Video
The video that sparked global attention does not show Prince Al-Waleed, but rather Yazeed Mohamed Al-Rajhi, a well-known Saudi businessman and motorsport champion. Al-Rajhi, who also belongs to a prominent family in Saudi Arabia, was recently hospitalized following a serious accident during the Baja Jordan rally. He and his co-driver, Timo Gottschalk, were involved in a crash that left them both with spinal injuries.
Shortly after the incident, Yazeed Racing — Al-Rajhi’s official Baja rally team — released a statement on Instagram, informing followers that both men were in stable condition but were being kept in the hospital for further medical evaluation. A few days later, the team provided updates confirming that Al-Rajhi had suffered two fractured vertebrae, while Gottschalk had four. Despite the serious injuries, both were conscious and on the road to recovery.
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal of Saudi Arabia known as the “Sleeping Prince” who has been in a coma since a car accident in 2005 has finally woken up. #Iran #Nuclear #Gaza pic.twitter.com/m1lfnmDZ1v
— IMJA Lifestyle (@imjalifestyle) June 14, 2025
Clips showing Al-Rajhi sitting in a hospital bed, meeting friends and supporters, were uploaded to social media. One such video, showing him interacting with loved ones in a hospital room, was taken out of context and falsely labeled as Prince Al-Waleed waking up after two decades in a coma. The emotional tone of the footage and the vague resemblance between the two men only fueled the misinformation further. But the individuals in the video and the circumstances surrounding it are entirely unrelated to the “Sleeping Prince.”
A Look at the ‘Sleeping Prince’ and His Medical Journey
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal is not just another royal family member. He is the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. Known for his youth, vitality, and promise, Al-Waleed’s life took a tragic turn in 2005 when he was involved in a severe car accident while studying military science. The accident resulted in a traumatic brain injury that left him in a coma — a condition that has persisted for the past 20 years.
Over the years, numerous reports and brief video clips have emerged, showing the prince receiving medical care at home. In some cases, it appeared he made small movements, which sparked hope and speculation about his recovery. However, these were isolated incidents and not signs of full consciousness.
Read : Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Al-Waleed Turns 36 While Still in Coma
His family, particularly his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, has remained steadfast in their decision to continue life support and medical treatment, even when doctors advised discontinuing it. In interviews, Prince Khaled has expressed his deep faith and hope that his son will one day recover.
This sense of hope and refusal to give up has earned the family admiration from supporters who see their perseverance as a symbol of faith and familial devotion. However, despite this long-standing public interest, there has been no confirmed report of the prince regaining consciousness. Therefore, the recent viral video, while emotionally stirring, misrepresents the current medical reality of Prince Al-Waleed.
The Power and Pitfalls of Viral Misinformation
The rapid spread of the video underscores a broader problem with misinformation in the digital age. Social media platforms are powerful tools for information dissemination, but they also create an environment where false narratives can gain traction easily, especially when they evoke strong emotional responses. In this case, the misidentified video played on public sympathy, hope, and curiosity, which made it go viral despite being factually incorrect.
It’s important to recognize how visuals, especially those involving known public figures, can be misleading when taken out of context. In this instance, the text overlay on the video and the photo of the actual prince added a layer of credibility to the false claim, even though they showed two entirely different people and circumstances. Fact-checking organizations and news outlets quickly clarified the truth, but not before the video had already been shared widely, reaching thousands, if not millions, of viewers.
The situation highlights the necessity of media literacy and critical thinking in today’s digital environment. It’s vital for social media users to verify information from credible sources before resharing or believing emotionally charged content. The difference between truth and fiction can sometimes be as simple as a reversed caption or a misplaced image — but the consequences can be significant, especially when public figures and sensitive issues like long-term comas are involved.
The story of Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal continues to be one of heartbreak, perseverance, and profound faith. His family’s unwavering support has become a source of inspiration for many. However, the false narrative created by the viral video does a disservice to the complexity and sensitivity of his condition. It misleads the public and diverts attention from the real individuals involved — like Yazeed Al-Rajhi — who are experiencing their own very different medical recoveries.
As consumers of digital content, there is a responsibility to engage thoughtfully with what we see and share. Verifying facts, checking sources, and understanding context are essential in maintaining the integrity of public discourse. While hope is powerful, it must be grounded in truth. Prince Al-Waleed’s journey remains a deeply personal and ongoing chapter for his family, one that should be respected and not manipulated by false stories.
In the age of viral content, the line between fiction and reality is often blurred. But through careful attention and responsible sharing, that line can be restored — one truth at a time.