Royalty of Brunei: News & Photos 2

[abir]

Hi everyone. I posted a question in Brunei Jewels thread about Brunei treasures.
As I know, Brunei is very rich country, so brunei monarchy can own/make expensive jewels; or they could have them by heritage.
My question: are they the only reasons, or does Brunei own gold/diamond mines?
Thanks.

[Zina]

Originally Posted by cutie

They are not a true 'love match'. The crown prince had a serious girlfriend for many years, but the sultan thought she was too plain. On the crown prince's 30th birthday, he was told to choose a bride among a group of virgin girls that was presented to him. The crown prince and princess have only know each other for a few months. They look good together, which is what the sultan wants.

I'm not sure I should be replying in the "Malaysian royalty" thread, but it seems like I can answer some of these questions.

I think the crown prince was not really serious with his ex girlfriend. From what I understand, she was living in the UK and they only saw each other occasionally, such as during the Eid celebration. Even then, they were not given permission to see each other, from His Majesty, so they weren't a "serious" couple, as such.

The real reason why she was not allowed to marry him, is not because she is plain, but because of her previous relationships. Apparently the Sultan had discovered of her romances with the Crown Prince's relatives - cousins, brother-in-law and uncles. The Crown Prince's family did not approve of this, or her partying lifestyle. I think after the Sultan's own divorce from his 2nd wife (also a party girl), he thought that his son should not go through the same mistake.

Fortunately, the Crown Prince met Sarah and seemed to like her very much. I heard that, after he decided to marry Sarah, he was not at all upset to say goodbye to his ex girlfriend. Unfortunately, the story goes, that the ex girlfriend was not told of the forthcoming marriage, and only heard about it through the official media announcement. From what I have heard, she expected her name to be announced! If this story is true, then the Crown Prince must not have had any contact with the ex girlfriend for a long time, or else, he kept it a secret from her.

I think the Crown Prince just wanted a pretty, mixed race girl to marry. Any one would do. Personally, I don't think he is the type to have ever experienced true love. He found a younger, prettier model and discarded the old GF without even telling her!

[alfie]

Originally Posted by Zina

Hmm..have never heard of these Pengirans. I don't believe they are related to the Sultan at all. The facts don't add up. If they were close relatives, they would have higher titles...There are thousands of people with Pengiran titles in Brunei. If Pengiran Damit is the Sultan's sister-in-law, which brother is she married to? How can she be HM's sister-in-law if she is married to HM's cousin?

There have been many cases of people trying to pass themselves off as royalty to do business. Our local newspapers recently carried a story of a similar case.

Sadly to say Zina but this is true. It was in the local brunei newspapers as well. Sultan's sister-in-law as in Raja Isteri's sister, Pengiran Anak Damit. They cars license plates are mostly with number 16.

[Mandy]

Time to close this thread and start a new one. Thanks to everyone who have posted articles, pictures and comments.

Here is the link to the new thread Royalty of Brunei: New & Photos 3