BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Despite the heat and large crowd, thousands of people from all walks of life were undeterred in their enthusiasm to attend the royal family’s Hari Raya meet-and-greet, as the palace reopened its doors to the public for the two-day Istana Raya Open House in celebration of Aidilfitri, which began Tuesday (April 1) morning.
Dressed in vibrant festive attire, members of the public were seen as early as 7am gathered at the main gates of Istana Nurul Iman, eager for the rare opportunity to meet Their Majesties and convey their festive greetings in person.
His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, along with Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Mohamed Alam, warmly welcomed well-wishers into the palace grounds to mark the joyous occasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
During the morning session, His Majesty was joined at the Baitur Rahmah Hall by His Royal Highness Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, along with His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Jefri Bolkiah, and other male members of the royal family to receive greetings from male visitors.
Meanwhile, in an adjoining hall, Her Majesty exchanged festive greetings with female visitors, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman; Her Royal Highness Princess Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Bini Faizah Datuk Nasir; and Her Royal Highness Princess Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.
The auspicious two-day open Istana event is a cherished annual tradition that offers citizens, residents, and international visitors the opportunity to meet Their Majesties and members of the royal family, and to extend their festive greetings in person.
The beloved tradition, which had been temporarily halted during the global pandemic, made its much-anticipated return this year, bringing joy to many. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
