The wedding of Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen and his wife, Anisha Rosnah, was a grand affair that captivated the attention of the nation and beyond. The ceremony, held at the magnificent Istana Nurul Iman palace, was attended by government leaders and distinguished guests from Asia and the Middle East.
Prince Mateen, a popular figure and one of Asia’s most eligible bachelors, looked regal in his ceremonial uniform, while his bride, Anisha, exuded elegance in a long white dress adorned with sparkling jewels. The couple made their first public appearance as husband and wife in a procession through the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan, drawing thousands of onlookers.
The significance of this wedding goes beyond the union of two individuals. Prince Mateen’s father is Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s longest-reigning monarch and a figure of great importance in Brunei. The Sultan’s wealth, derived from the nation’s vast oil and gas reserves, has contributed to the opulence and grandeur of the celebrations.
The festivities began days before the wedding, with the city of Bandar Seri Begawan buzzing with excitement. Free ice cream and refreshments were offered to the public, creating a festive atmosphere as people eagerly awaited the procession.
The guest list for the wedding was truly international, with royalty from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Bhutan in attendance. Government leaders, including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., were also present, highlighting the significance of this event.
The ceremony itself was steeped in tradition, reflecting Brunei’s rich history as an Islamic monarchy. The couple stood in the back of an open-top Rolls-Royce, waving to the crowds as they made their way through the capital. Their images adorned street arches and building facades, creating a visual spectacle that added to the excitement of the day.
For many Bruneians, witnessing this wedding was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hajah Aminah Abd Morsidee, a 91-year-old who has seen five royal weddings in her lifetime, expressed her joy at seeing Prince Mateen marry the beautiful Anisha. Norliha Mohamad Din, a 37-year-old schoolteacher, described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime moment,” adding that she had seen Prince Mateen grow up and was thrilled for him.
Prince Mateen, as the 10th child and fourth son of the Sultan, is unlikely to ascend the throne. However, he has embraced the role of representing the royal family to a younger generation of Bruneians. With his striking looks and active presence on social media, he has amassed a significant following on Instagram. His carefully curated posts showcase his interests, including polo, photography, and his military career.
The wedding of Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Rosnah was a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity. It symbolized the deep-rooted customs of Brunei’s Islamic monarchy while embracing the influence of the digital age. As the nation celebrated this union, it also celebrated the continuity of its rich heritage and the promise of a vibrant future.
Source: The Manila Times
