Brunei’s Royal Family Welcomes a New Princess: All the Details
Prince Abdul Mateen and Princess Anisha of Brunei have welcomed their first child, a daughter, on February 8, 2026. The arrival of the new princess has been met with celebration, including a 17-gun salute from the grounds of Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan of Brunei’s official residence.
A Royal Announcement and Celebration
The birth was announced by Brunei’s national public broadcaster, RTB News, and shared on their official Instagram account. The statement, released with the permission of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, confirmed the princess was born at 8:50 am on Sunday, 20th Syaaban 1447.
The couple first announced their pregnancy in October 2025, sharing a heartwarming black-and-white photograph on Instagram with the caption, “and then there were 3.”
The Couple’s Journey to Parenthood
Prince Abdul Mateen and Princess Anisha’s wedding was a grand ten-day celebration in January 2024, dubbed the “wedding of the decade.” The events combined traditional and religious ceremonies with public celebrations, attracting guests including Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema.
Succession and the Royal Lineage
Despite the joyous occasion, the new princess will not have a place in the line of succession to the Bruneian throne. Brunei’s constitution stipulates that a monarch must be male, Muslim, and a direct descendant of the royal family’s male line. Prince Mateen himself is fifth in the line of succession as the son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was Princess Anisha’s daughter born?
A: February 8, 2026.
Q: How was the birth celebrated?
A: With a 17-gun salute from Istana Nurul Iman.
Q: Will the new princess be in line for the throne?
A: No, Brunei’s constitution requires the monarch to be male.
Q: When did Prince Mateen and Princess Anisha get married?
A: January 2024.
Q: Where did Prince Abdul Mateen and Princess Anisha hold their wedding reception?
A: At the royal throne hall of Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan.
