Brunei (Commonwealth Union)_ Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei, a prominent figure in Asia and known as one of the region’s most eligible bachelors, is poised to wed his commoner fiancee in a grand wedding celebration lasting ten days in the affluent sultanate of Brunei. The Islamic marriage ceremony of the 32-year-old prince and 29-year-old Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah will take place within a gold-domed mosque in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.
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As the tenth child of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s longest-reigning monarch and former richest person globally, Prince Mateen holds a lower position in the royal succession. His bride, Anisha Rosnah, is reportedly the granddaughter of one of the Sultan’s top advisers and is involved in a fashion brand while co-owning a tourism business.
The pinnacle of the royal wedding festivities will occur on Sunday, featuring a splendid ceremony within the 1,788-room palace and an elaborate procession. Further, the guest list features international royalty and political leaders, adding to the fairytale-like atmosphere of the event.
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Bruneians are preparing to line the streets on Sunday to see the procession, eagerly awaiting the royal couple’s passage in a grand carriage. The extravagant celebration underscores the extraordinary wealth of the small country, primarily derived from its substantial oil reserves. Situated on the northern edge of Borneo island in Southeast Asia, Brunei underwent religious transformations from Buddhism and Hinduism to Islam in the 14th century. After gaining independence from British rule in 1984, Brunei evolved into an absolute monarchy with strict Islamic laws, boasting a population of around 450,000 people and standing as one of the world’s wealthiest nations. Despite its immense wealth, Brunei faces challenges in diversifying its economy away from oil dependence, with analysts highlighting the need for economic adaptation as crude prices fluctuate and reserves diminish.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, while no longer the world’s richest person, continues to possess legendary wealth, including a vast collection of luxury vehicles and one of the world’s largest palaces situated along the riverside. Prince Abdul Mateen, often likened to Britain’s Prince Harry, is unlikely to ascend the throne but stands out as a high-profile member of the royal family due to his striking looks and significant social media following. A helicopter pilot in Brunei’s air force and a graduate of Britain’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Mateen has represented his country in polo at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and has played an increasing role in international diplomacy, attending notable events such as the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla and Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.
