BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Thousands of people gathered at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien on Wednesday (July 15) morning to witness the ceremonial Guard of Honour parade held in conjunction with the 80th birthday celebration of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Upon the Sultan's arrival, a 21-gun salute by personnel of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces was fired as the national anthem was played.
Accompanying the monarch were Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; Prince ‘Abdul Malik, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Prince Sufri Bolkiah; and Prince Jefri Bolkiah.
The highlight of the ceremony was the Sultna's inspection of the guard of honour, comprising personnel from the Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force, Royal Brunei Police Force and other government uniformed agencies.
The ceremony continued with a grand march-past featuring participating contingents performing both the slow and quick marches with ceremonial precision.
The parade concluded with three resounding chants of Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik!, reflecting the unwavering loyalty and devotion of the participants to the Sultan.
The ceremony culminated in a spectacular fly-past by aircraft of the Royal Brunei Air Force, marking a fitting finale to the ceremonial Guard of Honour parade.
Also in attendance were Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, community leaders and invited guests. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
