Royalty of Brunei: News & Photos 3

[Mandy]

In this thread, you may post news, articles, pictures and comments on the Royalty of Brunei. Have fun!
Here is a link to the old thread Royalty of Brunei: News & Photos 2

[Minnie]

Originally Posted by Mandy

In this thread, you may post news, articles, pictures and comments on the Royalty of Brunei. Have fun!
Here is a link to the old thread Royalty of Brunei: News & Photos 2

Hi Mandy

Thanks for starting a new thread. I reckon you cannot use the quote function from previous thread should any replies be made and referencing is required? Tried doing that but can't

[Mandy]

Originally Posted by Minnie

Hi Mandy

Thanks for starting a new thread. I reckon you cannot use the quote function from previous thread should any replies be made and referencing is required? Tried doing that but can't

You're welcome Minnie. No, you can't use the quote function once the thread has been closed. Sorry!

[Humera]

Pictures of Queen Saleha, February 14, 2005

[Minnie]

Zina posted from previous thread :
<<<<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 >>>>


Zina,

That's quite some information about the ongoings of the royal engagements and relations you ve posted in previous thread.

Have got this really immense curiousity about this "fetish" that CP has about marrying women of "mixed parentage". It was reported in the media widely and also as affirmed by you in the thread above that CP was specifically looking to marry someone of a mixed background I presume with "caucasion" lineage. How so ? I was conjecturing if this is probably due to his years of study back in oxford? his stepmother's influence?
Which brings to my question what is CP really like as a person?

From the sound of it, he seems very much like a son strongly devoted to the family especially the sultan, listens to everything they say and plans for him? . Really quite different from the Windsor's family , this Brunei Royalty. Let's hope we not see a repeat of Camila - Diana - Charles melodrama here.

Zina, Btw the curahan kasih cover of the couple is really beautiful. Many thanks for sharing, it wouldn't otherwise have been made public anywhere else , media notwithstanding.


Any more news of the cute Sarah and ongoings?

[Minnie]

Originally Posted by Minnie

Zina posted from previous thread :
<<<<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 >>>>


Zina,

That's quite some information about the ongoings of the royal engagements and relations you ve posted in previous thread.

Have got this really immense curiousity about this "fetish" that CP has about marrying women of "mixed parentage". It was reported in the media widely and also as affirmed by you in the thread above that CP was specifically looking to marry someone of a mixed background I presume with "caucasion" lineage. How so ? I was conjecturing if this is probably due to his years of study back in oxford? his stepmother's influence?
Which brings to my question what is CP really like as a person?

From the sound of it, he seems very much like a son strongly devoted to the family especially the sultan, listens to everything they say and plans for him? . Really quite different from the Windsor's family , this Brunei Royalty. Let's hope we not see a repeat of Camila - Diana - Charles melodrama here.

Zina, Btw the curahan kasih cover of the couple is really beautiful. Many thanks for sharing, it wouldn't otherwise have been made public anywhere else , media notwithstanding.


Any more news of the cute Sarah and ongoings?

Also was wondering what really attracts CP to Sarah? Was it just looks? If there really was an arrangement for Cp to pick from a room of bachelorettes , did Sarah stand out just purely from looks alone?

[Zina]

Originally Posted by Minnie

Also was wondering what really attracts CP to Sarah? Was it just looks? If there really was an arrangement for Cp to pick from a room of bachelorettes , did Sarah stand out just purely from looks alone?

From all accounts, CP is very simple minded, with a very short attention span. I don't mean to cause offence, but it's well known. He also has been known to display a hot temper when it come to palace staff. What would you expect from a prince who is given everything he wants, since childhood?

However, he is also friendly, polite and speaks well, on topics he's interested in. He was interviewed on camera once, by an English journalist, and he appeared fluent, bright and well-spoken.

He gets what he wants. He specifically wanted a pretty, mixed girl, of Euro-Asian heritage - and he got one. Apparently he didn't mind that he wasn't allowed to marry his ex girlfriend. Because he found another girl, similar to her, who was also of mixed parentage. So it seems reasonable to assume that it was Sarah's looks that initially attracted him to Sarah, rather than anything deeper.

As for CP Billah wanting a mixed blooded girl..let's say that they are seen here in Asia as very unique . Most Asians view mixed blooded people as something exotic and desirable. Ladies lighten their skin and dye their hair to look more "european". And the most popular celebrities in this region are those who are of mixed parentage. The CP perhaps likes the mixed look as much as anybody else.

[Zina]

17th Feb is CP Billah's 31st B'day..in case anyone's interested :)

[Humera]

Originally Posted by Zina

17th Feb is CP Billah's 31st B'day..in case anyone's interested :)

I didnt know that. Will there be an official celebration? I know the Sultan's b'day celebrations are huge.

[Warren]

Originally Posted by Zina

17th Feb is CP Billah's 31st B'day..in case anyone's interested :)

Zina

No need to say "in case anyone's interested"

The fact we are looking at this site means we are interested.

So thanks for pointing out that the Crown Prince has just turned 31.

Warren

[Minnie]

HRH Sarah has truly grown. From a shy and coy looking young lady to a more poised and confident figure while engaging the women foreign diplomats from the pictures above. A role model indeed.

[abir]

I notice that sometimes p. sarah covers her hair and sometimes she doesn't even in Brunei. Does someone have an explanation for that. Thanks.

[Humera]

Originally Posted by abir

I notice that sometimes p. sarah covers her hair and sometimes she doesn't even in Brunei. Does someone have an explanation for that. Thanks.

There are women in the royal family who dont cover at all. The Queen didnt use to cover a couple of years ago either. I think its pretty obvious that the hijab isnt an obligatory requirement for the women of the Brunei royal family, just like it isnt for Muslim women in general. Its actually a good thing that Princess Sarah doesnt feel pressured to dress a certain way and covers her hair while carrying out most official duties in Brunei and doesnt cover at less formal events.

[Zina]

I agree with you Minnie, but P. Sarah could look more radiant if she wore more complimentary colours to suit her complexion. Red, like you pointed out - Sarah looks magnificent in red. This shade of pink here doesn't do anything for her. She looks quite plain in these pictures..the colours are loud and clashing.

A plain headscarf , without pattern, would go nicely with that dress. With a plain scarf, her jewellery would stand out. Whoever picked out her outfit must not want her to look good.

[Zina]

Originally Posted by ~*~Humera~*~

There are women in the royal family who dont cover at all. The Queen didnt use to cover a couple of years ago either. I think its pretty obvious that the hijab isnt an obligatory requirement for the women of the Brunei royal family, just like it isnt for Muslim women in general. Its actually a good thing that Princess Sarah doesnt feel pressured to dress a certain way and covers her hair while carrying out most official duties in Brunei and doesnt cover at less formal events.

You are right Humera, until a few years ago, the Queen did not always wear the headscarf (known as "tudong") here in Brunei. During the Sultan's Birthday function at the Palace, where H.M would give out titles to people, neither of his wives would wear the tudong, despite it being a formal occasion. Instead it was customary for them to show their hair and simply wear a tiara.

But in recent years, that has changed - the Queen now covers her head during that function. I think the religious authorities have tightened their grip on the royals, making it compulsory for the Queen to cover at all times. When Sarah is Queen, who knows, she may always be required to cover. However for minor royals, such as P. Sufri's wife, the rules don't apply, as they have no official role in the country's affairs.

[Humera]

Originally Posted by Zina

You are right Humera, until a few years ago, the Queen did not always wear the headscarf (known as "tudong") here in Brunei. During the Sultan's Birthday function at the Palace, where H.M would give out titles to people, neither of his wives would wear the tudong, despite it being a formal occasion. Instead it was customary for them to show their hair and simply wear a tiara.

But in recent years, that has changed - the Queen now covers her head during that function. I think the religious authorities have tightened their grip on the royals, making it compulsory for the Queen to cover at all times. When Sarah is Queen, who knows, she may always be required to cover. However for minor royals, such as P. Sufri's wife, the rules don't apply, as they have no official role in the country's affairs.

I read somewhere on this board that the Queen might have started covering since she performed the Hajj. Is that true?

[Zina]

Originally Posted by ~*~Humera~*~

I read somewhere on this board that the Queen might have started covering since she performed the Hajj. Is that true?

Yes, since the Royals performed the Haj, they began wearing the tudong. Also a new concept known as "Malay Islamic Monarchy" came into effect, and among its many rules...was making the tudong compulsory head wear for women in the government service. Everywhere you go now, women are wearing tudong, whereas before the Royals went on the Haj, most women did not cover.

[abir]

Thanks Humera and Zina for explanation :)

[Blueice]

So many wonderful photos, Humera! Thank you for taking the time to share them here. :)

[Humera]

You're welcome Blueice:)
The royal couple have certainly had a very full and active schedule during their visit to Singapore so far. Im sure we'll see lots more pictures.
Here's some more from their third day of the visit