Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei, renowned as one of Asia’s most eligible bachelors, is set to marry his commoner fiancée, Anisha Rosnah, in a lavish 10-day celebration in the oil-rich sultanate. The 32-year-old prince, the 10th child of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, will have an Islamic marriage ceremony with the 29-year-old bride at a gold-domed mosque in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.
Anisha Rosnah, the granddaughter of one of the Sultan’s key advisers, is reported to own a fashion brand and co-own a tourism business. The royal wedding festivities will culminate on Sunday with a grand ceremony in the 1,788-room palace and an elaborate procession, attended by international royalty and political leaders.
The opulent celebration underscores Brunei’s extreme wealth, primarily derived from vast oil reserves. Brunei, a small country on the northern edge of Borneo, gained independence in 1984 and is an absolute monarchy with strict Islamic laws. Despite its small population of around 450,000 people, Brunei ranks among the world’s richest countries, with an annual GDP per capita of nearly $36,000.
Prince Abdul Mateen, while not in line for the throne, has gained fame for his striking looks and large social media following, drawing comparisons to Britain’s Prince Harry. A helicopter pilot in Brunei’s air force, he graduated from Britain’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and represented his country in polo at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. The prince has played a growing role in international diplomacy, accompanying his father to significant events such as the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla and Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.