Hassanal Bolkiah facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hassanal Bolkiah
Hassanal Bolkiah in 2024
Sultan of Brunei
Reign	5 October 1967 – present
Coronation	1 August 1968
Predecessor	Omar Ali Saifuddien III
Heir apparent	Al-Muhtadee Billah
Other positions Prime Minister of Brunei Incumbent Assumed office 1 January 1984 Deputy Al-Muhtadee Billah Preceded by Office established Minister of Foreign Affairs Incumbent Assumed office 22 October 2015 Serving with Lim Jock Seng (2005–2018) and Erywan Yusof (2018–) Preceded by Mohamed Bolkiah Minister of Defence Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Incumbent Assumed office 7 September 1986 Serving with Halbi Mohd Yussof (2018–2022; 2023–) Preceded by Omar Ali Saifuddien III Minister of Finance and Economy Incumbent Assumed office 23 February 1997 Serving with Abdul Rahman Ibrahim (2005–2018) and Amin Liew Abdullah (2018–) Preceded by Jefri Bolkiah In office 1 January 1984 – 20 October 1986 Preceded by Office established Succeeded by Jefri Bolkiah Minister of Home Affairs In office 1 January 1984 – 20 October 1986 Preceded by Office established Succeeded by Isa Ibrahim
Born	Hassanal Bolkiah Muiz'zaddin Wad'daulah (1946-07-15) 15 July 1946 (age 79) Istana Darussalam, Brunei Town, Brunei
Spouse	Pengiran Anak Saleha ​ (m. 1965)​ Mariam Abdul Aziz ​ ​ (m. 1981; div. 2003)​ Azrinaz Mazhar Hakim ​ ​ (m. 2005; div. 2010)​
Issue	List Princess Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Princess Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah Princess Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah Princess Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah Prince Abdul Azim Prince Abdul Malik Princess Azemah Ni'matul Bolkiah Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah Prince Abdul Mateen Prince Abdul Wakeel Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah
Full name Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien
House	Bolkiah
Father	Omar Ali Saifuddien III
Mother	Pengiran Anak Damit
Religion	Sunni Islam
Signature
Education	Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Military career
Allegiance	Brunei
Service/branch	Royal Brunei Armed Forces
Years of active service	1965–present
Rank	Field Marshal
Awards	Full list

Hassanal Bolkiah (born 15 July 1946) is the Sultan of Brunei. He has been the Sultan since 1967. He also serves as the Prime Minister of Brunei since the country became fully independent from the United Kingdom in 1984. He is one of the few leaders in the world who still holds absolute power.

He is the oldest son of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit. He became the 29th Sultan of Brunei after his father stepped down in 1967. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is known as one of the wealthiest people in the world. As of 2023, his wealth was estimated to be $50 billion. He is also the longest-reigning current monarch and the longest-serving current head of state in the world. On 5 October 2017, he celebrated his Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years as Sultan.

Early Life and Education

Prince Hassanal Bolkiah was born on 15 July 1946, in Istana Darussalam. At the time, his father was the heir to the throne, making Hassanal Bolkiah second in line. He has three brothers: Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Prince Sufri Bolkiah, and Prince Jefri Bolkiah. He also has six sisters.

He started his education at the Istana Darul Hana Surau in late 1955. He finished there in early 1959. Other royal family members also studied with him.

In 1955, at nine years old, Hassanal Bolkiah finished third grade at Jamalul Alam Malay School in Brunei Town. He learned English quickly, being able to read English books in just three months. After four years, he reached the sixth grade of primary school. He enjoyed studying science, languages, and history.

After attending school at Istana Darul Hana Surau for over four years, he moved to Kuala Lumpur to continue his studies. He went to Jalan Gurney School and then Victoria Institution from January 1961 to December 1963. This made him the first Sultan of Brunei to study both in Brunei and abroad. His headmaster at Victoria Institution said he showed signs of being a great leader even then. He joined the Cadet Corps and was named best recruit in 1961. He left the institution with the rank of Lance Corporal.

On 14 July 1961, at age fifteen, he was named the Crown Prince. In December 1962, during the Brunei revolt, British Gurkha soldiers helped rescue him and his father from their palace. His father was very thankful for their help.

In 1963, due to issues between Brunei and Malaysia, Hassanal Bolkiah returned to Brunei. He finished his education at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College. He married Pengiran Anak Saleha on 29 July 1965. Later, on 4 January 1966, he joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) as a cadet officer.

At RMAS, he studied English, mathematics, science, military science, and international affairs, focusing on Russia. He learned about technical and strategic development. His training at RMAS helped him develop self-discipline and responsibility. He graduated and became an Honorary Captain in the Coldstream Guards on 1 March 1968.

Becoming Sultan

Hassanal Bolkiah becoming Sultan in 1967

On 4 October 1967, after 17 years as Sultan, Omar Ali Saifuddien III decided to step down. He wanted his 21-year-old son, Crown Prince Hassanal Bolkiah, to take over. Hassanal Bolkiah returned to Brunei to become the new leader. The next day, on 5 October 1967, at 3:00 p.m., Hassanal Bolkiah was officially announced as Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Muiz'zaddin Wad'daulah, the 29th Sultan of Brunei. This important event took place at the Istana Darul Hana.

During his first speech as Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah promised to continue his father's policies. He said he would work to keep Brunei peaceful, calm, and prosperous.

The Coronation Ceremony

Official coronation portrait of Hassanal Bolkiah

Six months before the coronation, Brunei's nobles and officials met to plan the ceremony. On 8 January 1968, the date of the coronation was announced: 1 August 1968. This day was chosen to be a Thursday.

On 1 February 1968, red and yellow ceremonial flags were raised in two communities, Bukit Sungai Kebun and Bukit Panggal. This marked the start of the coronation events, following Bruneian tradition. Radio Brunei and the Information Department provided excellent coverage of the coronation. A Japanese film company also made a color film of the event for worldwide distribution.

Thousands of people gathered in Pusat Bandar to watch the ceremony. The Sultan arrived in a special six-door Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet. He had completed a traditional Muslim washing rite at the palace.

Hassanal Bolkiah being carried by royal chariot on his coronation day, 1968

At the fire station, the Sultan and his attendants entered the Usongan Diraja (Royal Chariot). The Sultan wore a red and gold ceremonial outfit. The chariot was specially built for the coronation, featuring a tiger skin throne and decorated with 24-carat gold and diamonds. Fifty soldiers from the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment carried the chariot.

During the ceremony, his father, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, placed the crown on his head. He also gave him the Keris si-Naga, a special dagger that symbolizes royal power in Brunei. His father and other nobles then swore loyalty to the new Sultan. Hassanal Bolkiah promised to keep the nation peaceful and prosperous. He also vowed to improve the lives of his people and protect Islam and Brunei's traditions. After the crowning, the new Sultan rode through the capital, with schoolchildren cheering, "Long Live the King!"

Important guests from other countries attended, including the prime ministers of Singapore and Malaysia, and the British High Commissioner. To remember the event, a special Coronation Medal and stamps were created.

Early Years as Sultan

Because he was young and new to leading a country, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah continued to get advice from his father. His father's involvement helped keep the royal family strong and stable. Under Brunei's 1959 Constitution, the Sultan is the head of state and has full power.

The British government wanted Brunei to become fully independent with a parliamentary democracy. However, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his father preferred to keep the monarchy. They were worried about Brunei's safety and defense if British protection ended. They discussed these concerns with British officials in 1968.

Hassanal Bolkiah traveled to London several times between 1968 and 1970 to talk about Brunei's future. He wanted to ensure British troops, like the Gurkhas, would stay in Brunei for its protection. The British government initially wanted to remove all military troops. However, after a change in the British government, they agreed to keep a small number of British troops in Southeast Asia, including Brunei.

This led to the signing of the Brunei–British Friendship Agreement on 23 November 1971. This agreement gave Brunei "full internal independence" but kept British control over its foreign affairs.

On 17 July 1971, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, at 25 years old, was named Inspector-General of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) and General of the RBMR. This showed the strong connection between the army and the royal family.

Brunei also started several National Development Plans to improve the country. These plans focused on creating jobs, growing agriculture and industry, and improving the lives of the people.

On 1 January 1984, Brunei became fully independent from the United Kingdom. This was a very important day for the country. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah became the head of government as the Prime Minister. He announced the Declaration of Independence at midnight.

On the day of independence, Hassanal Bolkiah also took on the roles of Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Finance. He also declared Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) as the national philosophy. This philosophy combines Malay culture, Islamic teachings, and the royal family's values. It helps protect Brunei from outside influences.

Hassanal Bolkiah in the cockpit with King Hussein of Jordan, 1984

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah also focused on developing the country's economy and improving the quality of life for its citizens. He appointed himself as the Minister of Finance again on 23 February 1997, a role he had held before.

Silver Jubilee Celebration

Hassanal Bolkiah attending the 1993 APEC Summit on Blake Island, Seattle

In 1992, Brunei celebrated the Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years since Hassanal Bolkiah became Sultan. Brunei spent a lot to celebrate this event. They built a large mosque with a gold dome, guest homes for visitors, and an exhibition center. They also bought many Mercedes-Benz cars for guests. To remember this milestone, the Churchill Memorial Building became the Royal Brunei Regalia Building in 1992. A special Silver Jubilee Medal was also created.

A grand banquet was held at the Istana Nurul Iman. Many royal guests attended, including the King and Queen of Malaysia and Prince Edward. The Sultan appeared before his people with his two wives and ten children, all dressed in yellow and wearing jewels. He promised to continue his father's policies of keeping peace, improving living standards, and upholding Islam. He then rode through the capital in a Rolls-Royce Silver Spur limousine and a large chariot.

The people of Kuala Belait gifted The Silver Jubilee Park to honor the occasion. This park is now a popular place for tourists. On 5 October 1992, the Sultan also ordered the creation of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation.

The New Millennium

Hassanal Bolkiah visiting Fort Campbell on 17 December 2002

In 2004, the Legislative Council (LegCo), which had been closed since 1962, was reopened. The Sultan called a meeting on 25 September 2004, after a 21-year break. The council discussed changing the 1959 constitution to have more seats, with some elected by the public. The Sultan dissolved the council on 1 September 2005, and then recreated it the next day with the new changes.

On 9 March 2006, it was reported that the Sultan had changed Brunei's constitution to make himself immune from legal challenges under Bruneian law.

On 23 February 2009, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah attended Brunei's Silver Jubilee National Day celebration at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium. He was joined by his family and other leaders. The event included a guard of honor and a march past. Young people from different groups read the National Day oath. The celebration's theme was "Maturity of the Nation." To mark the event, he created the Silver Jubilee National Day Medal.

ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan and Hassanal Bolkiah in 2009

In 2014, Hassanal Bolkiah announced the start of strict Islamic criminal laws. This decision caused some debate both in Brunei and around the world. He stated that this action was "a must" for Islam.

In 2015, Hassanal Bolkiah also banned public Christmas celebrations for local Muslims. Christians in Brunei were still allowed to celebrate Christmas.

After a government change on 22 October 2015, Hassanal Bolkiah appointed himself as the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs. He replaced his younger brother, Prince Mohamed Bolkiah.

Golden Jubilee Celebration

Hassanal Bolkiah and Pengiran Anak Saleha being transported in the royal chariot on 5 October 2017

On 5 October 2017, Brunei celebrated the 50th anniversary of his royal ascension. The Sultan called it the "most historic day" for himself and all Bruneians. He also spoke about the "reciprocal responsibility" between him and his people. Many leaders from other countries attended the celebrations, including prime ministers from Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, also attended.

Before the Golden Jubilee parade, 80,000 people gathered in the capital. The Sultan rode in his royal chariot, pulled by fifty specially chosen workers. As he entered the streets, thousands of people cheered, "Long live the king!" while waving the national flag.

The Sultan's palace hosted earlier events, where the Sultan and Queen sat on golden thrones. A 21-gun salute was fired. The royal chariot traveled a 5-kilometer course. Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah and other princes and princesses joined their majesties on the chariot. Traditional drumming and displays of gold and silver weapons were also part of the celebration.

Several events were held in October to celebrate the Sultan's Golden Jubilee. These included the opening of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge and the inauguration of the Eco-Corridor Park. A special Golden Jubilee Medal was also created. The Royal Regalia Museum was renamed on 2 December 2017, in honor of his golden jubilee.

Recent Events

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah showed strong leadership. He put travel restrictions in place in March 2020. He also advised Bruneians to follow social distancing rules and pray more. On 1 April 2021, he received a COVID-19 vaccine at the Istana Nurul Iman.

On 19 September 2022, the Sultan and Prince Abdul Mateen attended Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral in London. In response to the Queen's death, the Sultan ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast on government buildings.

During the Gaza war, Hassanal Bolkiah asked the international community and the United Nations Security Council to support peace efforts in the Middle East. He confirmed Brunei's support for Palestinians in December 2023. His government also set up a special fund to help Palestinians in Gaza.

On 22 February 2024, Brunei's 40th National Day, Hassanal Bolkiah spoke about the nation's independence as a "blessing." He stressed that unity and patriotism are important for protecting religion, sovereignty, and national identity. He also said that true independence means freedom and harmony, achieved through the sacrifices of past and present generations.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

Hassanal Bolkiah at the 3rd ASEAN Summit on 14–15 December 1987

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah believes it is very important to build strong relationships with other countries. He has traveled to many places, including Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the United States. In September 1984, he spoke at the United Nations General Assembly when Brunei Darussalam joined the United Nations. That same year, Brunei also became part of ASEAN.

Like his father, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. He was the chairman of the APEC Leaders Summit in 2000 when Brunei hosted the event.

Trade and investment between Brunei and the United States have grown. Brunei also signed agreements to allow its airlines to fly freely into other countries, like Singapore and Thailand. In 2005, Brunei also made an "open skies" agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

Brunei and Japan signed an agreement in 2007 to work together on energy, human resource development, and improving skills. In 2008, Kuwait and Brunei signed an agreement for economic and technology cooperation. Brunei also started official diplomatic ties with Kenya in 2008.

Hassanal Bolkiah was also the chairman of the ASEAN Summit in 2013 and 2021, when Brunei was the host.

Hassanal Bolkiah with President Barack Obama in 2015

On 30 September 2015, Hassanal Bolkiah spoke to world leaders, saying that the UN is very important. He mentioned the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to end poverty, fight inequality, and combat climate change. He said that ASEAN countries share values like respecting borders and following the rule of law, which helps increase cooperation for peace. He suggested that cultural exchanges can help people understand each other better and prevent conflicts.

Singapore and Brunei celebrated 40 years of defense cooperation in August 2016. Hassanal Bolkiah visited Singapore in July 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary of their Currency Interchangeability Agreement.

Hassanal Bolkiah met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bangkok on 18 November 2022. He also visited Bahrain in June 2023 to strengthen ties and cooperation in finance, investment, and military matters.

Helping Others: Philanthropy

Hassanal Bolkiah on his 2023 visit to the Belait District, seen greeting the populace

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation

The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation (YSHHB), also known as the Yayasan, was started on 5 October 1992. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his family created this foundation to give back to the community. The Yayasan focuses on five main areas: finance, development, welfare, education, and religion.

In 2009, Hassanal Bolkiah approved the creation of "The Committee for the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund." The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation gave $50,000 to this fund.

Scholarships

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah wants Brunei's future leaders to be excellent and ready to guide the nation. In 2005, the Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Scholarship Scheme was created. This scholarship helps talented young people study at top international universities and military schools. It covers tuition, living costs, and travel. Over fifty Bruneians have received this scholarship, representing Brunei abroad as young ambassadors.

The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation also has a special scholarship program called "Sultan's Scholar." This program was approved by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in 2006. In 2013, the "Sultan's Scholar" Scholarship Scheme was expanded to include studies up to a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Personal Life

Interests

Bersanding ceremony of Hassanal Bolkiah and Pengiran Anak Saleha on 29 July 1965

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah enjoys playing polo. On 15 July 1996, he played polo with then-Prince Charles to celebrate his 50th birthday. When he was younger, he played polo competitively and even represented the Indian Army's 61st Cavalry team. In recent years, he often attends polo matches, especially since two of his children started playing professionally. A friendly polo match was held a few years ago between the Brunei team and the 61st Cavalry Indian Army team to celebrate the Sultan's 70th birthday.

On 8 February 2015, Hassanal Bolkiah played in and won the Richard Mille Gold Cup, a charity polo match. This event helped raise money for the Children's Cancer Foundation. The next day, he led his team to victory in another polo match.

Hassanal Bolkiah also likes to play badminton and squash.

Family Life

The Sultan married his first cousin, Pengiran Anak Saleha, on 29 July 1965. She is his first wife and is known as the Queen Consort. He later married Mariam Abdul Aziz in 1981. She was a former flight attendant. In 2003, she lost her royal titles, and the Sultan divorced her. In August 2005, the Sultan married Azrinaz Mazhar Hakim, a former Malaysian TV anchor. They divorced in 2010, and she also lost her royal titles. He also has an adopted daughter named Afifa Abdullah with Mariam.

Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah is the current Crown Prince and the Sultan's heir. He is the eldest son of the Sultan and Queen Saleha. As of 2012, Hassanal Bolkiah has five sons and seven daughters from his three marriages. As of 2025, he also has 20 grandchildren.

Titles and Honours

Styles of The Sultan of Brunei
Reference style	His Majesty
Spoken style	Your Majesty
Alternative style	Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik

Full Title

• 5 October 1967 – present: His Majesty the 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 Negara Brunei Darussalam

Academic Honours

Princes Hassanal Bolkiah and Mohamed Bolkiah at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1966

The Sultan has received many honorary degrees from universities around the world. These include degrees from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (2005), Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia (2003), the National University of Singapore (2005), and Universitas Indonesia (2011). He also received an honorary doctorate from Universiti Teknologi MARA in Malaysia (2019).

Some honorary degrees he received from British universities, such as the University of Oxford and King's College London, were later returned or rescinded.

Military Honours

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah holds several honorary military ranks. He was made an Honorary Major General in the British Army in 1984. He was also appointed an Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1992 and an Honorary Admiral in the Royal Navy in 2001.

He is an honorary member of Indonesia's Bravo Detachment 90 Special Operations Unit (2008). He also holds the rank of Honorary Colonel Commandant of Pakistan's Special Service Group (SSG) since 2005. The Indian Army presented him with a red beret and paratrooper wings. In 2009, he received the Order of Lakandula Grand Collar from the President of the Philippines.

Images for kids

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  Signature of Hassanal Bolkiah

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  Personal Emblem of the Sultan of Brunei

See also

In Spanish: Hassanal Bolkiah para niños