Brunei's Prince Abdul Mateen to wed non-royal Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah in opulent 10-day fiesta

In an extravagant 10-day celebration, Brunei's Prince Abdul Mateen, renowned as one of Asia's most eligible bachelors, is poised to marry his commoner fiancee, Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah. 

The 32-year-old prince, the 10th child of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world's longest-reigning monarch, will partake in an Islamic marriage ceremony inside a gold-domed mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei.

The bride, Anisha Rosnah, aged 29 and reportedly the granddaughter of a key adviser to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, is said to have a fashion brand and co-owns a tourism business. The culmination of the royal wedding festivities is anticipated on Sunday, featuring a lavish ceremony in the opulent 1,788-room palace and an elaborate procession. The guest list is expected to include international royalty and political leaders.

Bruneians are captivated by the fairy-tale-like event, with many planning to line the streets for Sunday's procession as the newlyweds pass by in a royal carriage. The grandeur of the celebration underscores Brunei's extreme wealth, largely derived from vast oil reserves.

While Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has lost the title of the world's richest man, Brunei's wealth remains extraordinary. The country, with strict Islamic laws and a population of around 450,000, boasts an annual GDP per capita of nearly $36,000, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Prince Abdul Mateen, often dubbed the "hot royal" due to his matinee idol looks and social media following, is a helicopter pilot in Brunei's air force and has been likened to Britain's Prince Harry. Although unlikely to ascend the throne, Mateen has played a growing role in international diplomacy, accompanying his father to significant events such as the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla and Queen Elizabeth's funeral.