Brunei's Future King Marries In VIP-Studded Ceremony
By M K Anwar & Azian Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - A new chapter in the history of the Royal Family was opened yesterday with the Royal Wedding between His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Pg Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah and Her Royal Highness Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman during the 'Bersanding' ceremony at the Istana Nurul Iman.

The majestic and glittering ceremony began with the arrival of the foreign VIP guests at the Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana, Istana Nurul Iman.

Shortly after, the guests greeted the arrival of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Salleha.

Following the tradition that has long been the norm during Royal Wedding ceremonies, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Paduka (Dr) Hj Awg Hussein informed YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pg Anak Hj Abdul Aziz that the ceremony was ready to begin.

His Majesty then consented for the ceremony to start upon receiving the message from YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah that it was ready to begin.

The Royal bride, sporting a tiara over a blue veil and clutching a bouquet laced with precious stones, then arrived accompanied by the spouse of YAM Pengiran Pekerma Diraja Sahibul Bandar Pengiran Hj Ali and the spouse of YAM Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja Dato Laila Utama Awg Hj Isa as well as other spouses of state dignitaries.

The Royal bride was followed by a group of female 'Pahawai' and those carrying the royal regalias consisting of 'Puan', 'Kabok and Panastan', `Tartan', 'Kiap', 'Chupu', 'Pasigupan', and 'Kaskol'.

The 'Dian 16' as usual was carried by 16 Dayang-Dayang.

Forty men carrying 'Sinipit' and `Taming' entered the Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana before HRH the Crown Prince made a grand entrance flanked by HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah and the State Mufti, Pehin Dato Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz. The Crown Prince wore a golden crown and had a ceremonial dagger tucked into his waist.

They were followed by seven male 'Pahawai', each carrying either a 'Puan', `Tartan', 'Kabok' and 'Panastan', 'Map', 'Chupu', 'Pasigupan' and 'Kaskol', while 'Dian 16' was carried by sixteen Awang-Awang

His Majesty led the Crown Prince to the bride seated on the royal dais and helped place the right hand of the Crown Prince on the head of HRH Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah.

The 'selawat' for Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) was called upon by the state mufti as the Royal groom took his place next to the Royal bride. A 19-cannon fire echoed outside the Throne Room to mark the occasion.

A 'doa selamat' was read by the state mufti.

The Royal newlyweds paid their respects to His Majesty, Her Majesty, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and HRH Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Zariah before leaving the Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana for an 8-kilometre procession around the capital.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela then informed YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah that the 'Bersanding' ceremony was over. YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah then conveyed the same message to His Majesty, who consented to officially close the ceremony.

Besides foreign VIP guests, also attending the historical ceremony yesterday morning were other members of the royal family, parents of HRH Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah, Pengiran-Pengiran Cheterias, cabinet ministers, members of the Privy Council, deputy ministers, PengiranPengiran Peranakan, Pehin-Pehin Manteri, ManteriManteri Hulubalang, ambassadors, high commissioners, permanent secretaries and heads of departments.

The 8-km procession around Bandar Seri Begawan involved 103 vehicles and royal Regalias were also carried.

The Royal Couple travelled in a motorcade that passed through several of the main roads around the capital.

Thousands of schoolchildren lined the streets waving flags of the Royal Couple as thousands of citizens took the opportunity to witness one of the grandest events in Brunei's history. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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