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Titles Revoked in Brunei
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah stripped his daughter-in-law Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah of all her royal titles after a decree issued earlier this week, removing the title of “Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri.”
“issued a decree earlier this week revoking the title of “Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri””
The Office of the Grand Chamberlain said the revocation was carried out following conduct by Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah that was deemed “unbecoming of a spouse of a member of the royal family.”
The Week reported that the decree was issued on August 7 and that Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, 33, is married to Prince Abdul Malik, the Sultan’s second son, who is currently fourth in line to the throne.
HELLO! Magazine said the couple’s 10-day wedding ceremony in 2015 was held between 5 April and 16 April at the Istana Nural Iman palace in Bandar Seri Begawan, and it described the palace as having 1,788 rooms.
The Week added that the couple’s four daughters—Princess Muthee'ah, 10, Princess Fathiyyah, 8, Princess Khaalishah, 6, and Princess Nabeelah, 16 months—were reportedly not affected by the title removal.
Statement, Unclear Conduct
People reported that the Office of the Grand Chamberlain confirmed Raabi’atul is no longer considered part of the royal family, saying only that the revocation was due to conduct “that was deemed unbecoming of a spouse of a member of the Royal Family.”
People also quoted the statement that her actions “tarnished the monarchy’s good name and demonstrated a lack of respect towards Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah” while providing no further details about what she did.
NEWS.am STYLE said an official announcement did not specify what exactly Pengiran had done or provide further details about the incident, and it described the decision as made at the Sultan’s personal command.
The Times of India said authorities had not disclosed what conduct led to the “unprecedented decision,” and it added that there had been no official announcement of a divorce between Raabi’atul and Prince Abdul Malik.
The Week said the former princess married Prince Abdul Malik in a ten-day ceremony held between 5 April and 16 April in 2015, and it reiterated that the children’s titles were reportedly not affected.
Regional Attention and Precedent
The News International said royal fans urged King Charles to strip Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s royal titles after Sultan of Brunei removed his daughter-in-law honours following “unbecoming” behaviour.
“Royal fans urge King Charles to strip Meghan Markle titles after Sultan of Brunei's major step”
The News International included fan reactions, including one comment that read, “Charles, pay attention.”
The Times of India said the Sultan’s decision was not the first instance in which he revoked royal titles, noting that in 2003 he stripped his second wife, Mariam Abdul Aziz, of her royal titles following their divorce.
The Times of India further said he removed the royal titles of his third wife, Azrinaz Mazhar Hakim, after their divorce in 2010, while also stating there had been no public confirmation that Raabi’atul and Prince Abdul Malik had separated or divorced.
HELLO! Magazine described Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as having a $16 billion fortune and said the Brunei royal family is very private, even as the title removal “has thrust them into the spotlight this week.”