NEW DELHI: Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen, long hailed as one of the globe’s most attractive royals and a ‘hot’ bachelor in Asia, has relinquished his status as a single man. The 32-year-old prince, a trained helicopter pilot and major in the Royal Brunei Air Force, known for his sporting achievements in polo, affinity for tigers, and a substantial Instagram following, has married 29-year-old Anisha Rosnah Isa-Kalebic, a non-royal, in an elaborate 10-day royal wedding that began on January 7 and will conclude on January 16.
Solemnization ceremony marks the beginning
The marriage was officially legalized on Thursday, January 11, at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in a solemnization ceremony. This event was exclusively attended by male guests, including ministers and government officials, with the bride notably absent.
Royal lineage and the bride’s background
Prince Mateen is the fourth son and 10th child of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world’s wealthiest royals, with an estimated net worth of nearly $28 billion. The prince, who is sixth in line to the throne, is the Sultan’s fourth son and 10th child. His bride, Isa-Kalebic, is the granddaughter of the Sultan’s special advisor, Pehin Dato Isa, and is involved in the fashion and tourism industries.
Engagement and courtship
The couple’s engagement was announced in October 2023, and they have reportedly been in a relationship for several years, often seen together at royal family events.
Festivities and guest list
Bandar Seri Begawan was buzzing with excitement, offering free ice cream and selling soft drinks as crowds started to gather along the parade route well before its commencement.
Dressed in a traditional formal attire and a songkok hat, 66-year-old retired banker Haji Suhaimin Abas, a distinguished Bruneian, was one of the select few who received an invitation to the royal wedding.
“This is a very big celebration,” he shared with AFP while having breakfast before heading to the palace.
Many of the sultan’s subjects lined the streets under a scorching sun to catch a glimpse of the couple.
Hajah Aminah Abd Morsidee, 91 who has seen five royal weddings in her lifetime, said she was “happy to see Prince Mateen marrying the beautiful Anisha”.
Schoolteacher Norliha Mohamad Din, 37, said it was a “once-in-a-lifetime moment”.
“I have seen Prince Mateen since he was small,” she said. “I’m very happy for him. This is one way of showing appreciation to the royal family.”
The event saw a prestigious guest list of around 5,000, including royalty from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Bhutan.
Notable government figures such as Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos were also present at the ceremony.
(With inputs from agencies)
Solemnization ceremony marks the beginning
The marriage was officially legalized on Thursday, January 11, at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in a solemnization ceremony. This event was exclusively attended by male guests, including ministers and government officials, with the bride notably absent.
Royal lineage and the bride’s background
Prince Mateen is the fourth son and 10th child of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world’s wealthiest royals, with an estimated net worth of nearly $28 billion. The prince, who is sixth in line to the throne, is the Sultan’s fourth son and 10th child. His bride, Isa-Kalebic, is the granddaughter of the Sultan’s special advisor, Pehin Dato Isa, and is involved in the fashion and tourism industries.
Engagement and courtship
The couple’s engagement was announced in October 2023, and they have reportedly been in a relationship for several years, often seen together at royal family events.
Festivities and guest list
Bandar Seri Begawan was buzzing with excitement, offering free ice cream and selling soft drinks as crowds started to gather along the parade route well before its commencement.
Dressed in a traditional formal attire and a songkok hat, 66-year-old retired banker Haji Suhaimin Abas, a distinguished Bruneian, was one of the select few who received an invitation to the royal wedding.
“This is a very big celebration,” he shared with AFP while having breakfast before heading to the palace.
Many of the sultan’s subjects lined the streets under a scorching sun to catch a glimpse of the couple.
Hajah Aminah Abd Morsidee, 91 who has seen five royal weddings in her lifetime, said she was “happy to see Prince Mateen marrying the beautiful Anisha”.
Schoolteacher Norliha Mohamad Din, 37, said it was a “once-in-a-lifetime moment”.
“I have seen Prince Mateen since he was small,” she said. “I’m very happy for him. This is one way of showing appreciation to the royal family.”
The event saw a prestigious guest list of around 5,000, including royalty from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Bhutan.
Notable government figures such as Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos were also present at the ceremony.
(With inputs from agencies)
