In October of last year, the Bruneian Royal family announced that Prince Abdul Mateen ibni Hassanal Bolkiah, the 32-year-old son of His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien III of Brunei, the Sultan and Prime Minister of Brunei, will wed Anisha Rosnah binti Adam, in a lavish ceremony that will begin on January 7 and end on January 16.
Prior to the wedding, Prince Abdul Mateen took to Instagram to share a lovely photo of himself and his fiancée with the caption, “Wishing you all the best for 2024 💫.”
The 10th child and 4th son of His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien III, Prince Abdul Mateen attended King’s College London in 2014 and Defence Helicopter Flying School in 2018. A lover of adventure and sports, the Prince of Brunei has been seen skydiving in Dubai and playing polo at the South East Asian Games. Prince Abdul Mateen is an active member of the military, serving as a Major in the Royal Brunei Air Force since 2010.
The bride-to-be Anisha Rosnah binti Adam is the granddaughter of a special advisor to the Sultan. The couple have been spotted together often, most notably at Princess Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah of Brunei’s wedding earlier this year in January.
Inside HRH Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah of Brunei’s Wedding: The Powdering Ceremony, Bride and Groom’s Dress and Royal Guests
The bride-to-be donned an elegant lace dress for the Berbedak Mandi ceremony
On the third day, the Berbedak Mandi ceremony took place at Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan and the seat of the Brunei government. Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Rosnah received blessings from their close family and friends. Parents, siblings, and respected elders adorned this celebration, surrounding the soon-to-be-married couple with an atmosphere of splendor and tradition.
Anisha Rosnah radiated elegance in a lace ensemble featuring full sleeves and intricate floral detailing. The ensemble was complemented by delicate diamond and pearl jewelry and a translucent veil.
The Powdering Ceremony commenced with a royal parade of spear-carriers, followed by the firing of cannons
On the fourth day of the festivities, the Majlis Istiadat Berbedak, also known as the Powdering Ceremony, unfolded. During this ritual, members of the Royal family applied a symbolic powder paste on the hands of the bride and groom, imparting their blessings and wishing them a fertile and prosperous life together.
Prince Abdul Mateen donned a traditional red sepangadak merah; a meticulously crafted tunic with padded shoulders, adorned with royal regalia. The ensemble was embroidered with intricate golden patterns, adding an extra touch of elegance to his distinguished appearance.
Meanwhile, the bride-to-be exuded grace and glamour in a matching suit, paired with a tapered skirt. Anisha Rosnah was adorned with opulent gold jewellery, and an extravagant gold and floral headdress.
The Powdering Ceremony was graced by the Sultan and the Queen, offering their blessings to the couple
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah lovingly applied a powder paste to the palms of his son, while his wife, Queen Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, performed the same ceremonial act for Anisha Rosnah.
Queen Raja Isteri Saleha graced the occasion in a royal purple tunic adorned with intricate white and yellow floral patterning, accompanied by a matching headscarf. In contrast, The Sultan appeared in an exquisite golden ensemble, adding an aura of regal magnificence to the celebration.
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@muash.portfolio and @tmski
