Once hailed as one of Asia’s most eligible bachelors, Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen, known for his Hollywood-esque lifestyle showcased on Instagram, has tied the knot with his 29-year-old fiancée in a male-only ceremony at a mosque in the capital.
Abdul Mateen, the 32-year-old tenth child and fourth son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, boasts a public persona that contrasts sharply with the centuries-old traditions of the Islamic sultanate. Despite being unlikely to ascend the throne, Mateen’s charm, matinee idol looks, and adventurous lifestyle, prominently displayed on his Instagram account with 2.5 million followers, have made him a positive influence for the royal family amid past scandals and global criticism.
In the pre-wedding Instagram posts, Prince Mateen and his bride, Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah, presented a modern image, breaking away from traditional norms. The carefully curated posts, including a December 31st photo that garnered over 11,000 comments, seem to be part of an effort to reshape Brunei’s conservative image, making the royal family more relevant to a younger generation raised on social media.
Prince Mateen’s Instagram fame extends beyond personal exploits; it appears to serve a broader purpose in refreshing the image of the absolute monarchy, led by the 77-year-old Sultan. Facing tarnished reputations over the years, including a public feud with his younger brother and backlash over the introduction of sharia law in 2019, the monarchy aims to connect with younger Bruneians.
Mustafa Izzuddin, a visiting professor of international relations, describes Prince Mateen as an “important youth change-maker in Brunei society,” noting his adeptness at connecting with the younger generation through cultural and Instagram-worthy activities.
The royal family, particularly Prince Mateen, seeks to win hearts and minds by embracing modernity. Mateen’s Instagram showcases his diverse interests, from playing polo and boxing to dabbling in photography and posing in military uniform. His popularity skyrocketed with videos of him flying a warplane, earning comparisons to Hollywood icon Tom Cruise.
In a bid to engage with the public, Prince Mateen, a helicopter pilot in Brunei’s air force and trained in the special forces, has successfully cultivated an online presence that transcends traditional royal norms. His well-chiseled physique has garnered hundreds of thousands of likes, and he is often likened to fictional spy James Bond.
As Brunei navigates a changing societal landscape, Prince Mateen appears to be at the forefront, using his Instagram influence to connect with a generation that values different interests and preferences. With his marriage marking a new chapter, the prince continues to be a symbol of modernity for Brunei’s monarchy, attracting admiration not just for his Hollywood-esque lifestyle but for his approachability and down-to-earth demeanor, as expressed by those who have interacted with him.
Sources By Agencies
