In the heart of Southeast Asia, a small but prosperous country named Brunei was teeming with pomp and pageantry as one of the beloved sons of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Prince Abdul Mateen, prepared to take his wedding vows.
Prince Abdul Mateen is one of the youngest sons of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who himself is the world’s second longest-reigning current monarch. Known for his good looks and athletic inclination, Prince Mateen has always been a well-loved figure. When news of his upcoming nuptials spread, the nation of Brunei came to a standstill, eagerly awaiting the grandeur of the royal wedding.
The preparations for this royal wedding began months in advance. The city’s streets were decorated with blooming floral arches, flags bearing the royal crest fluttered in the wind, and effigies of the soon-to-be wedded couple were prominently displayed. For Brunei, it was more than just a wedding; it was a conspicuous display of their cultural heritage and national pride.
One fascinating aspect of the royal wedding was the blending of cultures, drawing upon Malay customs fused with Islamic traditions. The bride, a beautiful commoner, was adorned in a lavish gown made from golden fabric woven with the richest silks. Her regal appearance was enhanced by the glittering jewels encrusted in her headpiece, a piece of traditional Malay regalia. The groom, Prince Mateen, was equally resplendent in traditional royal garb, with a golden sarong and a jeweled crown.
The wedding ceremony itself was held in the lavish and opulent Nurul Iman Palace, the world’s largest residential palace. Known for its breathtaking grandeur, the palace is a perfect embodiment of Brunei’s regal history. The guest list included many dignitaries and international royalty, who were treated to an extravagant banquet.
In line with traditional Islamic wedding customs, the royal marriage was solemnized by a religious official, or the ‘Kadi’, in the presence of the Sultan. Following the solemnization was the Bersanding ceremony, a traditional Malay wedding custom which declares two people husband and wife. The royal couple then partook in the Majlis Istiadat Menerima Menantu, or the ceremony of receiving the bride into the groom’s family.
What followed was a grand procession through the streets of the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. Prince Mateen and his newlywed wife waved and greeted spectators as they were paraded through the city in a royal carriage, a spectacle reminiscent of a fairy tale.
For weeks after the wedding, the celebratory mood lingered. From the most humble houses to the grandest mansions, everyone was invited to share in the joy of the newlyweds. This wedding marked an iconic moment in Brunei’s history, strengthening the bond between the royal family and their loyal subjects.
Indeed, Prince Abdul Mateen’s wedding gave Brunei’s citizens a chance to rejoice and celebrate their shared heritage and identity. It exemplified the cross-cultural amalgamation of Malay and Islamic customs, signifying unity amidst diversity. While life in Brunei may have briefly halted for its beloved Prince’s wedding, the celebration also served as an affirmation of the nation’s unwavering loyalty to their monarchy, further consolidating its place as a symbol of national unity and cultural pride.
