Prince Abdul Mateen, the fourth son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei

Prince Abdul Mateen, the fourth son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, is known for his good looks and has a large Instagram following of 3.2 million. Often called “Asia’s Prince Harry,” he was one of Asia’s most eligible bachelors until he married Anisha Isa Kalebic, a commoner, in a lavish royal wedding in January this year.

Prince Mateen, a polo player and trained helicopter pilot, held his wedding at the grand Istana Nurul Iman palace, attended by celebrities, royals, and state leaders. He wore a ceremonial uniform, while Anisha dazzled in a long ivory gown and a stunning tiara with 838 diamonds, designed by Singapore’s Flower Diamond.

Prince Mateen is the Sultan’s tenth child and fourth son with his second wife. He had been dating Anisha for a few years, appearing together at royal family weddings in recent years. Anisha’s brother, Danial Deen Isa-Kalebic, is a close friend of Prince Mateen and shared a playful post with a childhood photo of the trio on Mateen’s birthday in 2013.

Introduction

Prince Abdul Mateen, the fourth son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, is one of the most popular and charismatic young royals in the world today. Known for his charm, good looks, and dynamic personality, Prince Mateen has a massive social media following and an impressive track record in military, diplomatic, and sporting pursuits. His recent marriage to Anisha Isa Kalebic further thrust him into the global spotlight, cementing his status as one of the most watched royals. This blog delves into the fascinating life of Prince Mateen, exploring his military and diplomatic careers, sports involvement, and personal life.

Early Life and Military Career

From a young age, Prince Mateen developed a keen interest in military affairs. On 9 May 2010, at just 18 years old, he began his journey into the military by enrolling in the commissioning course for Regular Army Officers at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, alongside 200 other recruits. On 15 April 2011, he graduated from the Sovereign’s Parade Commissioning Course 102, earning his rank as a Second Lieutenant. After completing his training, he was attached to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment’s Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, some of the most distinguished units in the British Army.

Prince Mateen’s military career continued to advance steadily. On 9 July 2012, he was promoted to Substantive Lieutenant, and on 31 August 2016, he was promoted to Acting Captain. In 2017, he completed a seven-month Elementary Flying Training Course at RAF Cranwell, followed by helicopter pilot training at RAF Shawbury, where he earned his flying wings from his father, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, in March 2018.

Prince Mateen’s achievements in the military didn’t stop there. On 30 June 2019, during the 58th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, he was granted honorary membership in the Special Forces Regiment.

That same year, he also completed the 61st Basic Military Freefall Course in Singapore, further showcasing his dedication to enhancing his military skills. On 20 May 2021, Prince Mateen was promoted to the rank of Major. Later that year, he underwent the grueling All Arms Commando Course (AACC) at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in the UK, earning the coveted Green Beret.

By 2022, he had also completed the Basic Parachute Course at RAF Brize Norton, solidifying his reputation as a highly skilled and committed military officer.

Diplomatic Engagements

Apart from his military career, Prince Mateen has been actively involved in diplomatic missions representing Brunei on various international platforms. In November 2015, he attended the 24th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta as a representative of his father. His diplomatic presence was also noted at the inauguration of the new building of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in 2017, highlighting his role in promoting Brunei’s international relations.

In October 2018, Prince Mateen participated in significant bilateral meetings in Amman, Jordan, which strengthened the longstanding alliance between Brunei and Jordan. He also attended the 12th Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Brussels later that year, advocating for renewed discussions on a Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and ASEAN. Prince Mateen’s involvement in such high-level discussions reflects his commitment to advancing Brunei’s interests on the global stage.

His diplomatic engagements continued in 2019 when he attended the enthronement ceremonies of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, marking a historic transition in the Japanese monarchy. In 2022, Prince Mateen and his father attended Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey, further emphasizing his role in maintaining Brunei’s close ties with other nations.

Most recently, in March 2023, Prince Mateen toured Naval Special Warfare commands in California, where he discussed potential cooperation with Rear Admiral Keith B. Davids, chief of Navy Special Warfare Command. This visit demonstrated his ongoing commitment to strengthening Brunei’s military and diplomatic relationships with other nations.

Sports Involvement

Prince Mateen is also an accomplished sportsman who has represented Brunei in international polo competitions. He participated in the Southeast Asian Games in 2017 and 2019, playing alongside his sister, Princess Azemah, and competing against notable figures like Malaysia’s former Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. In 2019, Prince Mateen’s team, MB Polo, won the prestigious high-goal Gold Cup at the 48th Torneo Internacional de Polo in Spain, showcasing his skills and competitive spirit on the global stage.

Apart from polo, Prince Mateen enjoys various sports, including football, horse riding, boxing, skiing, and tennis. He has also participated in charity football matches, raising funds for good causes while promoting sportsmanship and teamwork. His involvement in sports reflects his passion for physical fitness and his commitment to representing Brunei in various sporting events.

Marriage to Anisha Isa Kalebic

In January 2024, Prince Mateen married Anisha Isa Kalebic, a commoner and the granddaughter of Pehin Dato Isa, the special advisor to the Sultan of Brunei. Their royal wedding was a grand affair that began on 7 January 2024 with the Majlis Istiadat Bersuruh Diraja ceremony, marking the start of a ten-day celebration filled with religious ceremonies and royal traditions.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan, and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore, highlighting the couple’s significance on the international stage.

The wedding was a blend of tradition and modernity, with Prince Mateen and Anisha dressed in matching crimson attire and receiving blessings from the Sultan and Queen Saleha. A 17-gun salute marked the prince’s arrival, and the couple was celebrated with grandeur and respect, embodying the rich cultural heritage of Brunei’s royal family.

Personal Life and Legacy

Prince Mateen resides at Istana Nurul Izzah in Jerudong, where he enjoys a range of hobbies, including playing the drums and guitar. His personal interests extend beyond sports and music; in April 2023, he performed the Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca with his family, demonstrating his deep-rooted faith and commitment to his religion.

Throughout his life, Prince Mateen has been honored with numerous awards and titles, including the Lee Kuan Yew Fellowship in 2023 and various national and international military honors. His legacy is further cemented by the naming of the Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Mateen Mosque in Kampong Mulaut, reflecting his influence and contribution to Brunei’s society.

Conclusion

Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei is more than just a royal; he is a dedicated military officer, a skilled sportsman, and a respected diplomat. His multifaceted career, combined with his personal charisma and deep sense of duty, makes him a beloved figure both in Brunei and internationally. As he continues to serve his country in various capacities, Prince Mateen’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations and further strengthen Brunei’s presence on the global stage.

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