Bandar Seri Begawan - The grand spectacle of the majestic royal wedding between Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah and YAM Pengiran Anak Haji Muhammad Ruzaini bin Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Yakub received international media attention as members of the foreign press converged to witness a historic day for the royal family at the palatial Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana, Istana Nurul Iman yesterday.

Among the international media crew that were covering the 'Istiadat Bersanding Pengantin Diraja' ceremony were wire services including Reuters AFP, AP and dpa as well as regional magazines, established newspaper agencies including the Daily Mail UK, The Straits Times and Channel NewsAsia.

It was estimated that some 6,000 guests were invited to the sitting-in-state-ceremony, while thousands more watched from home through live telecast on Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB) Channels RTB 1 and RTB 4. The dazzling spectacle was even telecast to Singapore through Channel NewsAsia including the rest of the world through CNN and BBC.

The royal couple wore fully-woven Brunei fabric or brocade. The royal couple's attire was decorated with ornaments and uniformly encrusted with fine embroidery and crystals that sparkled enhancing the beauty of the royal couple.

Asmah Asmuni from Bernama, Malaysia told the Bulletin that the ceremony was "beautiful and full of Brunei's customs and traditions". She added that being part of this historical event was "such an honour".

Meanwhile, Noorfarhanah Ahmad also from Bernama said, "It's nice to see Brunei's royal customs. It's a rare and unique opportunity for me, as a foreigner, to experience such a glittering ceremony"

The week-long celebration will end on Tuesday (Sept 25) with thanksgiving prayers and closing of 'Gendang Jaga-jaga' at both at the residences of the bride at Istana Nurul Iman and the groom in Jalan Permaisuara, Kampong Beribi.

Besides the elaborate pre-wedding ceremonies throughout the week, nightly vigils and religious events were also held at Istana Nurul Iman and in Kg Beribi.

Nightly stage performances are also being held at the BSB Waterfront and in front of the Royal Regalia Building in the capital. There are also street stalls around the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien.