He was once declared one of Brunei’s ‘most eligible blue blood bachelors’ by GQ Thailand – but Prince Abdul Mateen recently hit headlines after his New Year nuptials were revealed by his father, the Sultan.
Prince Mateen, 32, who is the fourth son – and tenth child – of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, 77, and his former second wife Mariam Abdul Aziz, 67, will marry Anisha Isa Kalebic in a nine-day extravaganza from 7 to 16 January.
Although little is known about how their relationship blossomed, it’s been reported that the pair have been dating for years and Anisha is the granddaughter of one of her soon-to-be father-in-law’s closest advisers, Pehin Dato Isa.
Only one official photo of the couple has been released, which featured Anisha showing off her huge diamond engagement ring in a snap to mark the New Year.
Prince Mateen who is sixth in line to the throne, is a lot more open and actively engages with the public on Instagram, where he simply goes by the name of ‘Mateen’ – and boasts 2.4 million followers.
He was once declared one of Brunei’s ‘most eligible blue blood bachelors’ by GQ Thailand – but Prince Abdul Mateen (pictured) recently hit headlines after his New Year nuptials were revealed by his father, the Sultan
To mark the New Year, Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei shared an unseen photograph with his fiancée, Anisha Rosnah binti Adam
His lavish lifestyle is profoundly evident on the social media platform: superyachts, exotic pets, world-class hotels and private jets, intertwined with official royal engagements around the globe.
However, perhaps surprisingly, when the Prince was 24, GQ Thailand described him as ‘a grounded man who doesn’t like to flaunt his family’s wealth.’
‘He says thank you at the end of every sentence, and he makes no distinction of class or social status in his interactions with the people around him,’ the publication added.
The interview highlighted that the Prince’s charm captured attention more than his striking looks.
It also pointed out that Mateen was more focused on sharing his interests, and discussing family and friends, rather than the monarch’s wealth.
Coincidentally, his father, the Sultan of Brunei, is one of the richest people in the world, having a net worth of over £24 billion – thanks to crude oil and natural gas exports.
Prince Mateen, who was named one of Asia’s 50 most eligible bachelors by Tatler Magazine in 2016, obtained a Master of Arts in International Studies and Diplomacy from the University of London in 2016.
He currently serves as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Brunei Air Force, holding the rank of major.
Mateen has also showcased his passion for polo by representing Brunei at the South East Asian Games in 2017 and 2019.
The 32-year-old is an avid traveller, frequently posting pictures of exotic destinations for his Instagram audience. One photo, in particular, captures him cradling a tiger cub on the beach.
Prince Mateen pictured with his father (left) at the wedding of Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Rajwa Alseif in Jordan last June
Mateen actively engages with the public on Instagram and boasts 2.4 million followers
The Prince is pictured holding a tiger cub while on holiday in an exotic location
He often accompanies his father on official visits, including the Coronation of King Charles II and Queen Camilla, held at Westminster Abbey on 6 May.
Earlier this month, the Sultan announced his son will marry Anisha Isa Kalebic in January 2024.
The couple have reportedly been dating for a number of years, having attended a number of events together, including the wedding of Mateen’s sister, Princess Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah, earlier this year.
Anisha, who is the granddaughter of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s special advisor, Pehin Dato Isa, is said to be a thriving entrepreneur in Brunei.
She founded the successful fashion brand Silk Collective, and co-owns a tourism enterprise, called Authentirary, with a close friend.
While it has not yet been confirmed, it is thought that the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 41, could attend the nuptials.
The 32-year-old appears to be confident in front of the camera
He has showcased his passion for polo by representing Brunei at the South East Asian Games in 2017 and 2019
Prince Mateen currently serves as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Brunei Air Force, holding the rank of major
He was named one of Asia’s 50 most eligible bachelors by Tatler Magazine in 2016
The Sultan and Queen of Brunei were notable guests at the wedding of William and Kate in 2011. Given this history, it’s thought they will extend an invitation to the British royals for their son’s special day.
Furthermore, both couples – along with Prince Mateen – attended the wedding of Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Rajwa Alseif in Jordan last June.
Other notable guests included Princess Beatrice, 34, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 39.
Prince Mateen is the youngest of three siblings to get married, following his two older sisters Princess Fadzilah and Princess Azemah, who tied the knot in January 2022 and January 2023 respectively.
While it has not yet been confirmed, it is thought that the Prince and Princess of Wales (pictured at Crown Prince Hussein’s wedding on June 1, 2023, in Amman, Jordan), both 41, could attend the nuptials
‘By the royal command of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei Darussalam, the palace has announced the upcoming wedding of His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen and Anisha Isa Kalebic will be held from 7 to 16 January 2024,’ read an official announcement.
The celebration, which will spread over nine days, will start with the proposal of marriage ceremony to receive the Royal Command, followed by performances from royal court musicians to officially mark the beginning of the wedding.
The matrimony will be solemnised at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque on January 11.
After this, the royal wedding reception will be held, featuring an opulent banquet attended by guests from across the globe.