The wedding of Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Rosnah was held from 7 to 16 January 2024 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. The ten-day celebration comprised a sequence of traditional Malay-Islamic royal ceremonies, religious rites, a public procession, and a grand state banquet attended by regional heads of state, foreign royalty, and thousands of invited guests.
International media described the event as one of the most elaborate royal weddings in Southeast Asia in recent years, drawing comparisons to other contemporary royal ceremonies in Asia due to its scale, duration, and display of royal regalia.
Background
Prince Abdul Mateen
Prince Abdul Mateen is the tenth child and fourth son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, and Mariam Abdul Aziz. He was born on 10 August 1991 and received his early education in Brunei before continuing his studies in the United Kingdom. He trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and later served in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
The prince has represented Brunei internationally in equestrian sports, particularly polo, including appearances at the Southeast Asian Games. He is also known for his public diplomatic engagements and prominent social media presence, which has contributed to his international profile.
Anisha Rosnah
Anisha Rosnah binti Adam is a Bruneian entrepreneur and businesswoman. She is the granddaughter of Pehin Dato Isa bin Ibrahim, a former special adviser to the Sultan of Brunei. She has been associated with fashion and lifestyle ventures in Brunei and maintains a relatively private public profile compared to members of the royal family.
Reports indicated that Prince Mateen and Anisha Rosnah had known each other since childhood and began dating in 2018. Their engagement was formally announced in October 2023 by Brunei's Prime Minister's Office.
Cultural and Constitutional Context
Royal weddings in Brunei are conducted according to the national philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay Islamic Monarchy), which combines Malay customs, Islamic principles, and monarchical tradition. Ceremonial proceedings are governed by strict court protocol and long-established royal customs that date back centuries.
The wedding ceremonies were overseen by palace officials and religious authorities to ensure conformity with Islamic law and royal tradition. The sequence of rituals reflects both Islamic marital requirements and Malay cultural symbolism.
Wedding Ceremonies
Pre-Wedding Ceremonies
Celebrations began on 7 January 2024 at Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of the Sultan of Brunei. The palace, recognized as one of the largest residential palaces in the world, served as the primary venue for ceremonial events.
Majlis Istiadat Berbedak Pengantin Diraja
Held on 10 January, the Majlis Istiadat Berbedak Pengantin Diraja (Royal Powdering Ceremony) is a key pre-wedding rite in Bruneian royal tradition. During the ceremony, senior members of the royal family applied scented powder and perfumed oils to the hands of the bride and groom. The ritual symbolises purification, blessings, prosperity, and protection from harm.
Participants wore traditional ceremonial attire incorporating gold-threaded textiles and heirloom jewelry. Court musicians performed traditional Malay compositions during the proceedings.
Akad Nikah
The Islamic solemnisation ceremony (Akad Nikah) was held on 11 January 2024 at the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one of Brunei’s most prominent religious landmarks. The ceremony was officiated by Brunei's State Mufti.
During the ceremony, Prince Mateen recited the marriage vows (ijab kabul) in accordance with Islamic law. The marriage contract was witnessed by senior religious officials and members of the royal family. Following the formal pronouncement, prayers were offered for the couple’s prosperity and harmony.
Anisha Rosnah wore a custom-designed white gown by Teh Firdaus, paired with a diamond tiara. Prince Mateen wore a traditional white baju cara Melayu with royal insignia.
Royal Procession
On 14 January 2024, a public royal procession was held through the streets of Bandar Seri Begawan. The couple traveled in a ceremonial carriage escorted by members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and palace guards in full ceremonial uniform.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets to greet the couple, waving national flags and royal standards. The procession route passed major landmarks in the capital, symbolizing the connection between the monarchy and the people.
Majlis Bersanding Pengantin Diraja
The Majlis Bersanding (royal seating ceremony) took place at Istana Nurul Iman on 14 January 2024. During this ceremony, the bride and groom were seated on an elevated dais under an ornate canopy, symbolising their new status as husband and wife.
Anisha Rosnah wore a gown by Dior and jewelry loaned from Queen Saleha, including the Flower Diamond Tiara. The ensemble attracted international fashion commentary.
Majlis Persantapan Diraja
The state banquet (Majlis Persantapan Diraja) marked the culmination of the wedding celebrations. Approximately 5,000 guests attended the banquet at Istana Nurul Iman. The event featured formal speeches, cultural performances, and a multi-course royal menu reflecting Malay culinary heritage.
Guests
Foreign royal guests
Foreign politicians and diplomats
Music
The National Television Programme of Brunei organized a songwriting competition in October 2023 to commemorate the royal wedding. Winning compositions were performed during official broadcasts and public celebrations.