Tears Flow Worldwide as Tiger Woods Honors Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ with Heartfelt Tribute After His Tragic Passing Following 20-Year Coma “He was a symbol of hope and resilience, and though he’s gone, his spirit will inspire us forever.”

A wave of sorrow has swept across the globe following the heartbreaking announcement that Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal Al Saud—known lovingly by many as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince”—has passed away after spending 20 years in a coma caused by a tragic car accident. The news has deeply touched millions, including legendary golfer Tiger Woods, who issued a rare and emotional tribute that has brought many to tears.
Tiger Woods, who himself has faced life-threatening injuries and unimaginable physical and emotional pain, shared a heartfelt message on his social media platforms shortly after the announcement broke. “He was a symbol of hope and resilience,” Woods wrote. “Though he’s gone, his spirit will inspire us forever. What his family endured for two decades is a testament to the strength of love.”
The story of Prince Al-Waleed had captured the hearts of people worldwide ever since the young royal slipped into a coma in 2005 after a devastating road accident while studying at a military college. His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, famously refused to give up on him, keeping him on life support and believing that one day his son would open his eyes and return to them. Over the years, rare footage of the Prince moving his fingers or blinking sparked new waves of hope and emotional outpourings from the public.
Tiger Woods’s tribute struck a chord with many, particularly because of the parallels drawn between the prince’s long, silent battle and Woods’s own journey of recovery after his near-fatal car crash in 2021. “In every story of survival, there is always a moment where hope refuses to die,” Woods said. “For 20 years, the world watched with quiet prayers and aching hearts. His story was not just about tragedy—it was about unwavering belief.”
Social media has since exploded with grief, condolences, and tributes from around the world. Hashtags like #SleepingPrince and #RestInPeacePrinceAlWaleed trended globally as users shared photos, memories, and personal reflections. Many recalled how the prince became a quiet but powerful symbol of human endurance, compassion, and the enduring strength of a family’s love.
Leaders, celebrities, and public figures across sports, politics, and entertainment have also paid their respects. Messages of sympathy poured in from across the Arab world, Europe, and the United States, with many praising the dignity and faith shown by the royal family throughout the prince’s long ordeal.
In Saudi Arabia, mourning ceremonies have already begun, with citizens holding vigils and offering prayers in honor of the prince who, though unconscious, remained ever-present in their hearts. The palace has yet to release full details on funeral arrangements, but a national period of mourning is expected.
As the world says goodbye to the young royal who spent two decades suspended between life and death, his legacy continues to live on. Through Tiger Woods’s powerful tribute, and the tears of millions, Prince Al-Waleed is remembered not for the coma that defined his final years, but for the hope, faith, and unity he unknowingly inspired in people across the world.