Brunei's Royal Couple Announces Birth of First Child with National Celebrations
The Prince and Princess of Brunei have joyfully announced the arrival of their first child, a baby daughter, in a national broadcast that sparked widespread celebrations across the country. Prince Abdul Mateen, the fourth son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and his wife Princess Anisha shared the happy news on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, with the event marked by traditional royal honours.
Royal Announcement and Cannon Salute
According to the official announcement from the Office of His Majesty the Sultan, the baby girl was born at 8:50 am on Sunday, corresponding to the 20th of Syaaban, 1447 in the Islamic calendar. In a grand gesture of celebration, 17 cannon shots were fired in the grounds of Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan's official residence, to honour the new royal arrival. This ceremonial act underscores the significance of the birth within the Bruneian monarchy.
The news was broadcast nationally and shared on social media by RTB, Brunei's public broadcaster, with a translated statement confirming the safe delivery. The couple had previously announced their pregnancy in October 2025 through a black-and-white photograph on Instagram, captioned "And then there were 3," showing Princess Anisha, aged 30, in a white dress with her hand on her baby bump.
Line of Succession and Royal Background
Despite the joyous occasion, the newborn princess will not be eligible for the Bruneian throne due to the country's constitutional rules. Brunei follows agnatic primogeniture, meaning succession is restricted to male, Muslim descendants in the direct male line of the royal family. Prince Abdul Mateen himself is fifth in line to the throne, behind Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, his two sons, and Prince Abdul Malik.
The royal couple married in a lavish 10-day wedding ceremony in January 2024, recently celebrating their second anniversary. Prince Mateen, once considered among the world's most eligible royal bachelors, wed Anisha Isa Kalebic after their engagement was announced in October 2023. For their wedding, the prince wore military attire, while the bride donned a diamond tiara previously worn by his sister, Princess Azemah.
International Lifestyle and Public Presence
Prince Abdul Mateen and Princess Anisha have maintained an active public profile, often sharing glimpses of their life on social media. They have spent considerable time in London, posting photos from locations like St James' Palace at sunset and attending football matches in matching outfits. Their Instagram presence offers a behind-the-scenes look at their enviable lifestyle, blending royal duties with personal moments.
This birth adds a new member to the royal family, though it follows the tragic loss of Prince Abdul Azim, the Sultan's third son, who passed away in 2020 at age 38. The celebrations reflect the enduring traditions and modern outreach of Brunei's monarchy, as the couple embraces both their heritage and global connections.
