Prince Mateen of Brunei embraces fatherhood in a touching Instagram post, cradling his newborn daughter, Princess Zahra, while dressed in his military uniform. The 34-year-old royal, son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Puan Hajah Mariam binti Abdul Aziz, gazes lovingly at the infant swaddled in a light pink blanket.
Intimate Glimpse into London Home
The photo captures a serene moment in the couple’s London residence, 7,000 miles from Brunei. The background reveals a luxurious yet understated living room with an oatmeal-colored L-shaped sofa, a subtle patterned rug, and a mahogany TV stand. London holds special significance: Princess Zahra was born there, and her mother, Princess Anisha Rosnah binti Adam, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages and European Studies from the University of Bath in 2017.
Official Birth Announcement
The Office of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam confirmed the arrival. The statement reads: “In compliance with the orders of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Office of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, hereby announces that His Royal Highness Princess Anisha Rosnah binti Adam, wife of His Royal Highness Prince Muda ‘Abdul Mateen ibni His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, with the permission of Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, has safely given birth to a daughter on Sunday, 20th Syaaban 1447 corresponding to 8th February 2026, at 8.50 am.”
The joyous event prompted 17 cannon shots at Istana Nurul Iman.
Newborn’s Public Debut
Prince Mateen and Princess Anisha marked the occasion on social media with their first public photo of baby Zahra Mariam Bolkiah. The prince captioned it: “Anisha & I are so grateful to the incredible team at JPMC for their exceptional care and support, and so thankful to everyone for the kind wishes.” The image shows the couple at their London home, with Zahra’s playmat visible on the floor.
Royal Couple’s Love Story
The pair married in 2024 during a lavish ten-day ceremony at Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan. Notable guests included Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. They first connected years earlier through Anisha’s brother, Danial Isa-Kalebic, a close friend of the prince, and began dating in 2018.
