A grand royal outing

His Majesty 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 Brunei Darussalam, Royal Patron of the Royal Brunei Polo Association, led a recreational horse ride yesterday, in an event held in conjunction with the monarch’s 77th birthday celebration.

The event, organised by the Royal Brunei Polo Association, marked its third iteration. Upon arriving at the Jerudong Park Polo and Riding Club, His Majesty was welcomed by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Basit bin Pengiran Datu Penghulu Pengiran Haji Apong, Chairman of the Royal Brunei Polo Association. The monarch also received a pesambah and consented to group photos.

Accompanying His Majesty for the horse riding activity were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah as President of the Royal Brunei Polo Association as well as other members of the royal family. Also joining the entourage were veteran players from Field No 1 of the Jerudong Park Polo and Riding Club.

His Majesty and members of the royal family travelled along Jerudong Beach and passed by the Jerudong Fish Market, where local visitors and vendors greeted them as they rode through.

The ride continued onto the premises of The Empire Brunei, where His Majesty and members of the royal family transferred onto ATVs. His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah also joined the royal entourage on ATVs.

His Majesty and members of the royal family then rode ATVs to Pantai Restaurant, where a santap took place. There, His Majesty cut a birthday cake presented by the Royal Brunei Polo Association. – Lyna Mohamad