Asia’s most eligible bachelor: Brunei Prince bids bachelorhood adieu, marries longtime Love

The small, fabulously wealthy Southeast Asian sultanate of Brunei has long been home to one of the world’s most swoon-worthy royals and Asia’s most eligible bachelor. 

But 32-year-old Prince Abdul Mateen - the dapper polo-playing air force pilot known for befriending tigers and amassing 2.5 Instagram followers - has relinquished both titles by marrying stunning commoner bride Anisha Rosnah Isa-Kalebic, 29.

Fairy tale festivities of royal wedding 

The couple’s fairy tale nuptials are being celebrated over 10 days of glamourous festivities that kicked off on January 7, in the glittering kingdom and will culminate in a dazzling reception at Mateen’s father’s sprawling, 1,700-room, gold-leafed palace on January 14th.

Female guests barred from mosque ceremony

The celebrations commenced with the legal solemnization ceremony held Thursday at Brunei’s iconic Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. 

In keeping with Islamic traditions, only male ministers and officials were allowed into the sacred venue to officially validate the regal union.

Bride runs fashion empire and tourism company

Details of the duo’s years-long private courtship remain scarce. 

However, reports suggest the bride runs a successful fashion label called Silk Collective while also co-owning an upmarket tourism firm - befitting of her newfound royal status as a glamorous princess.

Lavish parade to cap decadent nuptials

As per previous sultanate weddings, the momentous matrimonial revelry will feature an array of highlight events over 10 days - kicked off by a ceremonial proposal and capped by a grand parade through Bandar Seri Begawan that offers the public a glimpse of the newly elevated royalty.

Sultan amongst the world’s richest royals

The extravagant celebrations are hosted by stupendously wealthy Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah - renowned as one of the world's richest royals with a reported $20 billion net worth from Brunei’s abundant oil and gas reserves.

Prince sixth inline to throne

The Sultan's fourth son and tenth child, Prince Mateen remains sixth in line to inherit the throne. But he now takes on additional responsibilities befitting married royalty after bidding adieu to bachelorhood in true playboy style.

International guestlist remain under wraps

While the VIP guest list remains undisclosed, royals from Britain, Jordan and other elite circles are expected to attend the momentous reception and toast the newlyweds. 

Given the geopolitical ties and Mateen's globetrotting lifestyle, visits from eminent personalities would be par for the course.