Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen, a renowned polo player and one of Asia’s most sought-after bachelors, married his commoner partner, Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah, in a magnificent 10-day celebration. The Islamic nuptials for the 32-year-old prince and his 29-year-old bride were solemnized in a gold-domed mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the longest-serving current monarch and formerly the richest man in the world, Prince Mateen is the sultan’s 10th child and not a primary heir to the throne. His bride, Anisha Rosnah, is a granddaughter of one of the sultan’s top advisors and has entrepreneurial pursuits in fashion and tourism.
The prince donned a traditional white attire adorned with diamond motifs for the ceremony, which was a male-only event attended by the sultan, family, and guests. Prince Mateen honored his father post-ceremony, symbolizing respect and filial piety.
The apex of the celebrations will be a resplendent event at the 1,788-room palace on Sunday, featuring an elaborate procession and a guest list of international dignitaries and royalty.
The wedding has garnered much attention in Brunei, with citizens expressing their enchantment and planning to witness the royal procession.
This event not only celebrates the union of Prince Mateen and Anisha Rosnah but also showcases the immense wealth of Brunei, a small but affluent Southeast Asian nation. Despite its high GDP per capita and luxurious royal lifestyle, Brunei faces challenges in diversifying its economy, heavily reliant on oil reserves.
Prince Mateen, unlikely to ascend the throne, remains a high-profile royal figure due to his social media presence and striking looks, often drawing comparisons to Britain’s Prince Harry. A trained military officer and a skilled polo player, Mateen also plays a significant role in Brunei’s international diplomacy.
