The bride, Anisha Rosnah, is reportedly the granddaughter of a key advisor to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
In an extravagant 10-day celebration, Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei, known as one of Asia's most eligible bachelors, is about to marry his most commoner fiancée, Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah.
The 32-year-old prince, the 10th son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world's longest-reigning monarch, will take part in an Islamic marriage ceremony inside a gold-domed mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei.
The bride, Anisha Rosnah, 29, reportedly the granddaughter of a key advisor to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, is said to own a fashion brand and co-own a tourism business. The culmination of the royal wedding festivities is anticipated on Sunday, with a lavish ceremony at the opulent 1,788-room palace and an elaborate procession. The guest list is expected to include international royalty and political leaders.
Bruneians are captivated by this fairytale-like event, and many plan to line the streets for Sunday's procession as the newlyweds pass by in a royal carriage. The grandeur of the celebration underscores Brunei's extreme wealth, derived largely from vast oil reserves.
While Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has lost the title of the world's richest man, Brunei's wealth remains extraordinary. The country, with strict Islamic laws and a population of around 450,000, has an annual GDP per capita of almost $36,000, according to the International Monetary Fund.
Prince Abdul Mateen, often dubbed the “royal royal” due to his matinee idol appearance and social media following, is a helicopter pilot in the Brunei air force and has been compared to Britain's Prince Harry. Although he is unlikely to ascend the throne, Mateen has played an increasing role in international diplomacy, accompanying his father to major events such as the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla and the funeral of Queen Elizabeth.
