Hassanal Bolkiah

Hassanal Bolkiah
Born	(1946-07-15) July 15, 1946 Istana Darussalam, Brunei
Occupation(s)	Sultan of Brunei, Prime Minister of Brunei
Years active	1967–present
Known for	29th Sultan of Brunei, longest-reigning current monarch, absolute monarchy leadership

Hassanal Bolkiah Muiz'zaddin Wad'daulah (born 15 July 1946) has served as the Sultan of Brunei since 1967 and has held the position of prime minister since Brunei gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. He is one of the few absolute monarchs who remain in power worldwide.

As the eldest son of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit, he ascended as the 29th sultan following his father's abdication. Bolkiah is counted among the wealthiest individuals globally, with an estimated net worth of $50 billion as of 2023. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the world's longest-reigning monarch and the longest-serving incumbent head of state. On 5 October 2017, he commemorated his Golden Jubilee, marking five decades on the throne.

Early life and education

Born on 15 July 1946 at Istana Darussalam during his uncle Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin’s reign, Pengiran Muda (Prince) Hassanal Bolkiah was second in succession as his father was heir presumptive at that time. He has three brothers—Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Prince Sufri Bolkiah, and Prince Jefri Bolkiah—along with six sisters.

His initial schooling took place at Istana Darul Hana Surau from 1955 to 1959 alongside other royal family members. By age nine, he had completed third grade at Jamalul Alam Malay School in Brunei Town and swiftly progressed to sixth grade, focusing on subjects such as sciences, languages, and history.

Hassanal Bolkiah pursued further education in Kuala Lumpur, attending Jalan Gurney School followed by Victoria Institution between 1961 and 1963. He became the first Bruneian Sultan to study both within the country and abroad. While at Victoria Institution, he joined the Cadet Corps, earning recognition as best recruit in 1961 and achieving the rank of Lance Corporal before leaving.

At fifteen years old, on 14 July 1961, he was officially appointed Crown Prince. During the 1962 Brunei revolt, protection was provided to him and his father by the 2nd Gurkha Rifles. Due to deteriorating relations between Brunei and Malaysia in 1963, he returned home to complete his education at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College.

He married Pengiran Anak Saleha on 29 July 1965. In January 1966, he began training as a cadet officer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), where his studies included English, mathematics, science, military science, and international affairs with a focus on Russia. The RMAS curriculum emphasized self-discipline and accountability. Upon graduation on 1 March 1968, he was commissioned as an Honorary Captain in the Coldstream Guards.

Proclamation

After ruling for seventeen years, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III voluntarily stepped down on 4 October 1967, paving the way for his eldest son, then Crown Prince Hassanal Bolkiah, who was twenty-one years old. Prior to finishing his studies abroad, Hassanal Bolkiah returned to Brunei to take up leadership responsibilities over the government and its people. The abdication announcement was made via Radio Brunei by Pengiran Pemancha Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara.

On 5 October 1967 at precisely 3:00 p.m., Hassanal Bolkiah was formally declared Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Muiz'zaddin Wad'daulah—the 29th Sultan of Brunei—during a public event held at Balai Singgahsana within Istana Darul Hana. The ceremony was attended by prominent state figures including the Wazir, Cheteria, Acting Menteri Besar, and members of the Legislative Council. This occasion became known as the (4th October Event). Following his abdication, Omar Ali Saifuddien III took on the title (His Highness the Retired Sultan), while his wife received a corresponding honorific.

During this event, the Acting Menteri Besar expressed steadfast allegiance to the new Sultan and affirmed that Hassanal Bolkiah would emulate his father’s leadership style. In his inaugural titah (address) as Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah declared:

Coronation

Half a year prior to the (Coronation), a gathering of nobles and officials was convened to organize the event. The official proclamation set the date as 1 August 1968, with red and yellow banners hoisted at Bukit Sungai Kebun and Bukit Panggal respectively, symbolizing the customary commencement of the coronation. Extensive broadcasts were provided by Radio Brunei, while a Japanese film crew created a color documentary that was distributed worldwide in both 35 mm and 16 mm formats.

Thousands of residents and visitors assembled in Pusat Bandar to observe the ceremony held at the newly constructed Lapau. The Sultan made his entrance in a specially commissioned six-door Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet, following a traditional Muslim ablution and accompanied by a 21-gun salute.

At the fire station, the Sultan mounted the (Royal Chariot), which had been custom-built featuring a throne adorned with tiger skin and gold-decorated panels. This 85-foot-long chariot was borne by fifty soldiers clad in black from the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment.

His father, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, performed the crowning and bestowed upon him the Keris si-Naga, a symbol representing ultimate royal authority. The former Sultan pledged allegiance to his son as both head of state and religion, followed by senior nobles doing likewise. The newly crowned Sultan committed himself to preserving peace and prosperity, advancing living standards through development initiatives, and upholding Islam alongside Bruneian customs.

The procession through the capital was greeted enthusiastically by schoolchildren chanting (Long Live the King).

Among foreign guests were Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Malaysian Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, and British High Commissioner Arthur Adair, who represented Queen Elizabeth II. To mark this historic occasion, both a Coronation Medal and commemorative stamps were issued.

Early reign

Initially, due to his youth and limited governance experience, Hassanal Bolkiah depended heavily on his father’s counsel for critical decisions. At his coronation, he acknowledged this reliance but stressed his continuing political role, reinforcing the royal household’s strength as the "power behind the throne." According to Brunei's 1959 Constitution, the Sultan wields complete executive powers, including emergency authorities granted after the 1962 rebellion.

The British government advocated for Brunei’s independence under a parliamentary democratic system, which conflicted with Hassanal Bolkiah's and his father's preference for monarchical governance. They questioned Brunei’s capacity for self-defense without British military support. During visits by British officials Malcolm MacDonald and George Thomson in 1968, the Sultan voiced concerns about Britain's military withdrawal from Southeast Asia.

Between September and October 1968, Hassanal Bolkiah led a delegation to London aiming to negotiate Brunei’s political future, focusing on Gurkha troop deployments and security provisions in the 1959 Agreement set to expire in 1970. Although initial discussions failed to persuade Britain, he remained hopeful and engaged in further talks during several visits in 1969. Despite collaboration with British Labour Party figures Malcolm Shepherd and Michael Stewart, Britain maintained its stance on troop withdrawal and sovereignty transfer.

An April 1970 London visit did not resolve differences; Britain believed Brunei was capable of self-defense despite impending expiration of defense agreements. The election of the Conservative Party renewed optimism, culminating in a November 1970 accord permitting a limited British military presence while preserving the 1959 Agreement. This led to the 1971 Brunei–British Friendship Agreement granting Brunei full internal autonomy while Britain retained control over external affairs.

At 25 years old, Hassanal Bolkiah was appointed Inspector-General of Police and General of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment in July 1971, enhancing connections between the armed forces and royalty. The Third National Development Plan (1975–1979) allocated B$500 million to diversify economic activities into agriculture and industry. Later plans saw significant budget increases—B$2.2 billion for RKN 4 (1980–1984) emphasizing social development, and B$3.7 billion for RKN 5 (1986–1990) focusing on infrastructure improvements and quality of life.

In accordance with Chapter 55 of the constitution, the elected Legislative Council was dissolved in December 1977 with royal consent; it was reconstituted briefly before being dissolved once more. In 1978, Hassanal Bolkiah negotiated sovereignty terms with Britain resulting in the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation effective January 1984. This treaty ended British responsibility over Brunei’s foreign affairs and defense, establishing independence under a constitutional monarchy with Hassanal Bolkiah serving as Prime Minister.

On independence day, he assumed key ministerial roles including Home Affairs and Finance portfolios. He appointed six additional ministers drawn from royal family members and trusted officials. Simultaneously, he proclaimed Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) as Brunei’s national ideology, combining Malay culture, Islam, and monarchy as foundational pillars protecting national identity from external influences.

Hassanal Bolkiah reinstated the Legislative Council in December 1983 but dissolved it again by February 1984. He also donated B$210,000 to the United Nations International School on Brunei’s first anniversary as a UN member state.

The Sixth National Development Plan (1991–1995), funded at B$5.5 billion, prioritized enhancing living standards alongside economic growth. The Seventh Plan (1996–2000), part of a long-term strategy totaling B$7.2 billion since 1985, aimed to further improve economic performance and quality of life. He resumed duties as Finance Minister in February 1997 after previously holding this position from 1984 to 1986 before handing it over to his brother Prince Jefri Bolkiah.

Silver Jubilee

The 1992 Silver Jubilee celebrated 25 years of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's rule, with Brunei allocating approximately $200 million for the commemorative events. Major developments included constructing a mosque seating 6,000 worshippers topped with a gold dome, building 21 guest residences for visiting dignitaries, establishing an exhibition hall, and providing 200 Mercedes-Benz cars for attendees. To honor the occasion, the Churchill Memorial Building was renamed the Royal Brunei Regalia Building. The Silver Jubilee Medal (Pingat Jubli Perak) was issued in three tiers: gold, silver, and bronze.

The grand celebrations concluded with an opulent banquet held at Istana Nurul Iman, attended by Malaysian royalty such as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Azlan Shah and his consort, Prince Edward, along with other regional sultans. The Sultan appeared alongside his family clad in yellow garments and adorned with jewels, reaffirming his dedication to peace, prosperity, and Islamic values. Subsequently, he made a procession in a Rolls-Royce Silver Spur limousine and a chariot embellished with gold.

As a permanent commemoration, residents of Kuala Belait contributed The Silver Jubilee Park, currently recognized as a prominent tourist destination under the name Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Silver Jubilee Park. Furthermore, the Sultan founded the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation to mark this milestone and support related programs.

The new millennium

In 2004, after being dormant since 1962, the Legislative Council (LegCo) was reconvened. On 25 September 2004, the Sultan summoned the council following a 21-year hiatus and enacted a constitutional amendment expanding LegCo to 45 members, with 15 seats designated for elected representatives. On 1 September 2005, the Sultan dissolved the council and reestablished it under the updated constitution.

By September 2005, five individuals were appointed to represent village councils. Despite initial plans for public elections, these had not materialized by late 2007. The Internal Security Act maintained the Sultan's dominant authority, concentrating governance within his family and successors. In March 2006, constitutional changes were introduced granting the Sultan legal infallibility under Brunei’s laws.

The LegCo convened its first session in a newly constructed building on Jalan Kebangsaan on 4 March 2008, with the Sultan presiding over the opening ceremony. During Brunei’s Silver Jubilee National Day on 23 February 2009, the Sultan appeared alongside members of the royal family and government officials; young delegates from both public and private sectors recited the National Day oath. To commemorate this occasion, he instituted the Silver Jubilee National Day Medal.

The Tenth National Development Plan (RKN 10) spanning 2012–2017 prioritized themes such as "Knowledge and Innovation," enhancing productivity, and accelerating economic growth through targeted initiatives.

In 2014, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah introduced stringent Islamic criminal punishments including flogging, amputation, and death by stoning. These laws triggered uncommon domestic dissent and widespread international condemnation. Despite delays and speculation about reluctance, the Sultan emphasized their essential role within Islamic jurisprudence.

In 2015, he prohibited public Christmas celebrations among local Muslims—including wearing Santa Claus costumes—while permitting Christians to observe festivities privately. That year, roughly 4,000 Bruneian Catholics attended Christmas mass despite restrictions on public holiday decorations.

Following a cabinet reshuffle on 22 October 2015, Hassanal Bolkiah assumed the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs himself, succeeding his brother Prince Mohamed Bolkiah. The Eleventh National Development Plan (RKN11) covering 2018–2023 focused on expanding non-oil and gas industries to drive economic development.

Golden Jubilee

The 50th year since his royal ascension on 5 October 2017 represented a landmark occasion for Brunei and its Sultan, who described the day as the "most historic" in his address. He highlighted the importance of mutual accountability between himself and his citizens. Prominent Southeast Asian figures such as Prime Ministers Lee Hsien Loong (Singapore), Hun Sen (Cambodia), Najib Razak (Malaysia), State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (Myanmar), President Rodrigo Duterte (Philippines), and Joko Widodo (Indonesia) were present at the commemorations. Among the royal attendees were Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

Prior to the Golden Jubilee parade, approximately 80,000 spectators assembled near Istana Nurul Iman. The royal procession was led by the Grand Chamberlain, followed by marching bands from both the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) and Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF). The Sultan traveled through Bandar Seri Begawan aboard a royal chariot, warmly welcomed by crowds waving national flags.

Earlier celebrations at the palace featured the Sultan and Queen consort seated on ornate golden thrones during a formal royal audience, accompanied by a 21-gun salute. The chariot procession spanned a five-kilometer route and included Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, Princes Abdul Azim, Abdul Malik, Abdul Mateen, Abdul Wakeel, and Princess Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah. Traditional cultural elements such as drumming and displays of ceremonial gold and silver weaponry like the Kampilan dagger and Kalasak shield were also showcased.

October's activities included the official opening of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge on 14 October and the launch of the Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas Eco-Corridor Park on 22 October. To honor the milestone, a Golden Jubilee Medal was introduced in three classes. Furthermore, on 2 December 2017, the Royal Regalia Building was renamed the Royal Regalia Museum in tribute to the jubilee.

Pandemic and beyond

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah exhibited decisive leadership by implementing travel bans from March 2020 and advocating for social distancing alongside adherence to religious observances, describing the virus as a test "sent by God." On 1 April 2021, he personally received a COVID-19 vaccination at Istana Nurul Iman.

On 19 September 2022, both the Sultan and Prince Abdul Mateen represented Brunei at Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral held in London. In response to her passing, he directed that national flags be lowered to half-mast at government offices and diplomatic missions worldwide.

During the Gaza conflict, Hassanal Bolkiah urged international cooperation for peace initiatives at an ASEAN–GCC summit in October 2023. He reiterated Brunei's support for Palestinians during the United Nations' International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People in December 2023. His administration also established the National Committee for the Humanitarian Fund for Palestinians in Gaza to oversee relief operations.

On Brunei’s 40th National Day on 22 February 2024, Hassanal Bolkiah referred to independence as a divine "blessing," stressing that unity and patriotism are vital to safeguarding religion, sovereignty, and national identity. He attributed Brunei’s robust global standing to effective workforce development and innovative strategies under the RKN.

In May 2025, while attending an ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Hassanal Bolkiah was admitted to hospital due to fatigue but was subsequently discharged.

Foreign policy

Hassanal Bolkiah prioritizes enhancing Brunei's global partnerships by actively engaging in diplomacy throughout Europe, the Middle East, Southeast, East Asia, and the United States. Upon Brunei’s admission to the United Nations in September 1984, he delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly. That same year marked significant diplomatic achievements for Brunei, including joining both ASEAN and the UN, as well as formalizing relations with countries such as Singapore. Mirroring his father’s experience, he received knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, symbolizing Brunei’s historical connection as a former protectorate until 1984. In 2000, Bolkiah presided over the Summit of APEC Leaders when Brunei hosted the gathering.

The signing of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with the United States in December 2002 catalyzed growth in Brunei–US trade and investment ties. In December 2004, Brunei became a party to a Multilateral Agreement on the Liberalization of Passenger Air Services, allowing airlines to operate freely among signatory nations including Singapore and Thailand. A bilateral air services liberalization pact with the United Arab Emirates was concluded in April 2005. The June 2007 "Agreement between Japan and Brunei Darussalam for an Economic Partnership" promoted cooperation in areas such as energy, workforce development, and capacity enhancement. In July 2008, Brunei inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kuwait focused on economic and technological collaboration, followed by establishing diplomatic relations with Kenya in August 2008.

During Brunei’s chairmanship of ASEAN Summits and Related Meetings, Bolkiah led the organization’s gatherings in both 2013 and 2021.

In September 2015, addressing global leaders, Hassanal Bolkiah underscored the United Nations’ vital role in endorsing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aimed at tackling poverty, inequality, and climate change. He highlighted ASEAN members’ commitment to principles such as territorial integrity, non-interference, adherence to the rule of law, and good governance as essential pillars for regional stability and cooperation. Additionally, he advocated for cultural exchanges to deepen mutual understanding among member states.

August 2016 marked four decades of defence cooperation between Singapore and Brunei. During his fourth official visit to Singapore in July 2017—celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement—he unveiled commemorative $50 banknotes alongside Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and participated in a state banquet hosted by former President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

In November 2022, Bolkiah met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bangkok. Later, in June 2023, he traveled to Bahrain at the invitation of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to commemorate 35 years of diplomatic relations and to promote collaboration across finance, investment, and military domains.

Shannon Marketic Incident

In 1997, Shannon Marketic filed a lawsuit against Prince Jefri Bolkiah—Hassanal Bolkiah’s brother—alleging that she and other women were recruited for promotional roles but were effectively held captive, subjected to drugging and sexual assault. The Sultan refuted these allegations. The suit also implicated Miss USA 1997 Brandi Sherwood as a victim; however, Sherwood opted not to pursue legal action. After approximately eighteen months, a US court dismissed the case on grounds of diplomatic immunity granted to the Sultan.

Amedeo financial scandal

Tensions arose between Hassanal and his brother Prince Jefri Bolkiah, who oversaw enterprises under the "Amedeo Development Corporation", administered by his son Pengiran Muda Abdul Hakeem. Amedeo had acquired the luxury brand Asprey and invested heavily in various Brunei ventures. However, by July 1998, the conglomerate collapsed under a debt burden of approximately US$10 billion. From 1983 to 1998, about US$40 billion in "special transfers" were disbursed from the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA). Investigations revealed roughly US$14.8 billion was transferred to accounts linked to Prince Jefri, US$8 billion to the sultan’s accounts, and around US$3.8 billion allocated for governmental use. The lack of transparency in Brunei’s financial dealings made it difficult to ascertain full details.

Prince Jefri faced allegations of diverting state funds into personal investments through BIA and Amedeo entities, resulting in his removal as head of the BIA. In 2000, the government pursued freezing his assets abroad, which prompted counter-litigation in New York courts. A confidential settlement was reached in May 2000, after which Prince Jefri began surrendering assets including over 500 international properties, approximately 2,500 vehicles, 100 artworks, five yachts, and nine airplanes. In 2001, an auction liquidated around 10,000 of his belongings.

The BIA accused Prince Jefri of breaching the settlement by concealing accounts and permitting withdrawals from frozen assets, reigniting legal proceedings to reclaim control. Following appeals, the UK Privy Council—Brunei’s supreme appellate court—ruled against Prince Jefri and mandated the restitution of remaining assets. Litigation extended to Malaysia and the Cayman Islands, with BIA ultimately securing ownership of properties such as Los Angeles' Hotel Bel-Air and Manhattan's Lotte New York Palace Hotel.

Additional hearings in the High Court of England and Wales addressed claims that Prince Jefri misrepresented asset disclosures. After failing to appear at a contempt hearing in June 2008, an arrest warrant was issued against him.

By October 2009, Prince Jefri had returned to Brunei without holding official government positions but retained royal titles and continued attending significant national ceremonies through at least March 2012.

Legislation on anti-LGBT measures and stoning penalties

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Hassanal Bolkiah enacted laws instituting capital punishment by stoning for offenses such as homosexuality and adultery, effective from 3 April 2019. This move sparked widespread international condemnation and calls for boycotts targeting businesses owned by the Bruneian royal family, particularly the Dorchester Collection—a luxury hotel group under the sultan’s ownership operating in the US and Europe. The introduction of Sharia law in April 2014 included severe punishments like death by stoning, amputation of limbs, and flogging for crimes including abortion, adultery, and same-sex relations. These provisions applied equally across all social strata but were enforced solely within Brunei’s jurisdiction. The announcement led prominent entertainers such as George Clooney, Elton John, and Ellen DeGeneres to advocate boycotts against hotels owned by the sultan.

In retaliation, the US LGBT advocacy organization Gill Action Fund canceled a major donors’ event planned at the Beverly Hills Hotel and demanded reimbursement. The hotel responded by affirming its nondiscriminatory policy regarding sexual orientation. Fashion designers Brian Atwood and Peter Som also called on the fashion community to boycott all hotels within the Dorchester Collection.

In January 2013, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) had recognized the sultan as its inaugural Companion for contributions to healthcare both domestically and internationally. However, in April 2019, this distinction was rescinded due to conflicts between the new anti-LGBT legislation and the RCGP’s core principles. Confronted with global criticism, the sultan subsequently declared a moratorium on capital punishment for homosexuality and pledged to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

Dispute over car collection

At one point, the sultan possessed one of the globe’s most extensive private automobile collections, totaling approximately 2,500 vehicles acquired by his brother Jefri Bolkiah for himself and other members of the royal family. The lavish spending on this collection, alongside Prince Jefri's other indulgences, amounted to billions of US dollars, which played a significant role in precipitating a financial crisis within the royal household. Most of these cars were neglected; those left outside deteriorated irreparably, while the remainder were sold at auction.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation

Founded on 5 October 1992, the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation (; YSHHB) serves as the primary channel for the philanthropic activities of the Sultan and his family. Its mission encompasses finance, development, welfare, education, and religious initiatives.

In 2009, the Sultan authorized the establishment of "The Committee for the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund," through which the foundation contributed $50,000, bringing total donations to $61,000. Donation boxes are strategically placed at the Foundation's School and Building Complex.

During a 2018 meeting of the YSHHB Committee, Prince Abdul Malik disclosed that over $115,000 had been misappropriated between 2004 and 2016 by five staff members across eight instances of trust violations. This fraudulent activity was detected following the first audit conducted by the Prime Minister's Office Audit Department since the foundation's inception.

Scholarship programs

As Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Hassanal Bolkiah envisions Brunei’s next generation of leaders as highly capable and prepared for swift global transformations. To cultivate talent within Brunei’s defence and security sectors, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Scholarship Scheme was launched in 2005. This program offers scholarships to distinguished Bruneians for study at renowned international universities and military academies. More than fifty recipients have benefited from this scholarship, which covers tuition fees, living allowances, stipends, and annual round-trip airfare. Scholars also act as youth ambassadors overseas.

Complementing the educational objectives of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, the "Sultan's Scholar" program was initiated in 2006 with royal endorsement. In 2013, it was expanded to include doctoral-level studies to support promising individuals pursuing advanced education.

Hobbies

Hassanal Bolkiah has long held a passion for polo, having competed actively in his youth—including representing the Indian Army’s 61st Cavalry—and continues to engage through his children’s involvement. A notable friendly polo match between Brunei and the 61st Cavalry celebrated his 70th birthday, underscoring enduring connections.

On 8 February 2015, he captained his team to victory in the Richard Mille Gold Cup charity polo event at Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club, benefiting the Children's Cancer Foundation (YASKA). The next day, his black team triumphed in the Richard Mille Exhibition Polo Match to progress further in the tournament.

Besides polo, Hassanal Bolkiah enjoys playing badminton and squash.

Marriages and offspring

The sultan's first marriage was to his first cousin, Pengiran Anak Saleha, who became Queen Consort in 1965. His second wife was Mariam Abdul Aziz, formerly a Royal Brunei Airlines flight attendant; they wed in 1981 but divorced in 2003 under Brunei’s sharia law after she lost her royal titles. In 2005, he privately married Malaysian TV3 anchor Azrinaz Mazhar Hakim; their marriage ended in divorce after five years in 2010. The sultan also has an adopted daughter named Afifa Abdullah with Mariam.

Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, eldest son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Queen Saleha, is Crown Prince and heir apparent. As of 2012, the sultan has fathered five sons and seven daughters from his three marriages and had twenty grandchildren by 2025.

Name	Birth	Death	Marriage		Children
			Date	Spouse
Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha (m. 1965–present)
Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah	26 July 1969	rowspan="5" Template:N/A	15 August 1996	Pengiran Anak Haji 'Abdul Rahim Kemaluddin Al-Haj	Pengiran Anak Raheemah Sanaul Bolkiah
		Pengiran Anak Hariisah Widadul Bolqiah
		Pengiran Anak 'Abdul Raqiib
		Pengiran Anak 'Abdul Haseeb
		Pengiran Anak Raqeeqah Raayatul Bolqiah
Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah	12 October 1971	Template:N/A	colspan="3" Template:N/A
Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah	17 February 1974	rowspan="4" Template:N/A	9 September 2004	Sarah, Crown Princess of Brunei	Abdul Muntaqim
		Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah
		Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman
		Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa Raihaanul Bolkiah
Princess Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah	16 March 1976	rowspan="2" Template:N/A	10 June 2007 Divorced 7 December 2023	Pengiran Khairul Khalil bin Pengiran Syed Haji Jaafari	Pengiran Anak 'Abdul Hafeez
		Pengiran Anak Raihaanah Hanaa-Ul Bolqiah
Princess Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah	12 March 1980	rowspan="4" Template:N/A	20 September 2012	Muhammad Ruzaini bin Pengiran Dr. Haji Mohammad Yakub	Pengiran Anak Muhammad Za'eem
		Pengiran Anak Muhammad 'Aamir
		Pengiran Anak 'Abdul Hakeem
		Pengiran Anak 'Abdul Aleem
Prince Abdul Malik of Brunei	30 June 1983	rowspan="4" Template:N/A	9 April 2015	Pengiran Raabi'atul Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah	Pengiran Anak Muthee'ah Raayatul Bolqiah
		Pengiran Anak Fathiyyah Rafaahul Bolqiah
		Pengiran Anak Khaalishah Mishbaahul Bolqiah
		Pengiran Anak Nabeelah Najmul Bolqiah

Mariam Abdul Aziz (m. 1981–2003; divorced)

Name	Birth	Death	Marriage	Spouse	Children
Prince Abdul Azim of Brunei	29 July 1982	24 October 2020	Template:N/A	Template:N/A	None
Princess Azemah Ni'matul Bolkiah	26 September 1984	Template:N/A	12 January 2023	Prince Bahar of Brunei	None
Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah	23 August 1985	Template:N/A	20 January 2022	Abdullah Mahmoud Al-Hashimi	Pengiran Anak Daniya Rahmatul Bolkiah
Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei	10 August 1991	Template:N/A	11 January 2024	Anisha Rosnah binti Adam	None

Azrinaz Mazhar Hakim (m. 2005–2010; divorced)

Name	Birth	Death	Marriage	Spouse	Children
Pengiran Muda 'Abdul Wakeel	1 June 2006	Template:N/A	Template:N/A	Template:N/A	None
Pengiran Anak Puteri 'Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah	28 January 2008	Template:N/A	Template:N/A	Template:N/A	None

Complete title

• Since 5 October 1967: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam
  • In Malay (Rumi): Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien,
  • In Malay (Jawi):

Academic distinctions

The Sultan has been conferred several honorary doctorates from esteemed universities such as the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO, 2005), Chulalongkorn University, Universitas Gadjah Mada (2003), the National University of Singapore (2005), and Universitas Indonesia (2011). Additional honorary degrees were granted by the University of Aberdeen, University of Oxford, and King's College London (KCL); however, some were later rescinded or returned in 2019 amidst disputes concerning Brunei’s legislation on homosexuality. On 23 March 2019, he was honored with an Honorary Doctorate in Islamic Leadership from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia.

Military distinctions

Within the British Army, he was designated an Honorary Major General in 1984. In 1992, Queen Elizabeth II appointed him as an Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force (RAF). Buckingham Palace clarified that the Queen did not personally decide on these appointments. He was also named Honorary Admiral of the Royal Navy in 2001.

In April 2008, he gained honorary membership in Indonesia’s Satgas Atbara Special Operations Unit. During his visit to Pakistan’s SSG headquarters at Cherat on 3 April 2005, he was awarded the rank of Honorary Colonel Commandant of Pakistan's Special Service Group (SSG). Furthermore, during a state visit to India, he received both the red beret and paratrooper wings from the Indian Army’s Black Hawk paratroopers. On 30 January 2009, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo bestowed upon him the Grand Collar of the Order of Lakandula during a state visit.

See also

• List of sultans of Brunei
• List of Brunei-related topics
• List of current foreign ministers

External links

• Prime Minister's Office
• Leppard, David. "Sultan caught in property feud", Times Online, 30 July 2006
• Kennedy, Dominic. "The prince, the lawyer and his wife lose out in court", The Times, 26 January 2007 – regarding Thomas Derbyshire and Faith Zaman losing appeal against asset freezing in a multimillion-dollar fraud case
• Forbes World's Richest People 1997
• Brunei's Battle Royal, Business Week
• Usborne, David. "Brotherly love runs out", 11 February 2006 – on the sultan's legal dispute with his brother

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