A royal revamp through Instagram

Steeped in tradition: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (second from left) pouring scented oil on the hands of Mateen during the royal powdering ceremony at Istana Nurul Iman, ahead of his wedding, in Bandar Seri Begawan, as Queen Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha (left) looks on. — AFP

In real life he’s a prince of an Islamic sultanate steeped in centuries-old traditions, but on Instagram Brunei’s Abdul Mateen is more Hollywood than royalty as he flies in fighter jets, drives speedboats and poses bare-chested after workouts.

Mateen, 32, was one of Asia’s most eligible bachelors until he married his 29-year-old fiancee last week in a male-only ceremony at a mosque in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan.