Horseback ride marks royal birthday

James Kon

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 led a horse riding excursion from the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club to The Empire Brunei yesterday, organised by the Royal Brunei Polo Association in conjunction with the monarch’s 76th birthday celebration.

Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah.

His Majesty was introduced to veteran national polo players prior to the ride. They were President of Royal Brunei Polo Association Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Basit bin Pengiran Datu Penghulu Pengiran Haji Apong, Deputy Chairman and Secretary Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud, Pehin Datu Pekerma Bijaya Colonel (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Hussin bin Haji Sulaiman and Haji Hamid bin Pehin Datu Indera Sugara Haji Johari.

On arrival at The Empire Brunei, His Majesty was joined by members of the royal family – 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 – for breakfast at Pantai Restaurant.

Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Hakeem, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul ‘Ali Yil-Kabier and Pehin Datu Harimaupadang Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Husin bin Ahmad were also present.