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 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 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, along with Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji 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 Haji 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 Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji 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 binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah 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 Hajah Faizah binti Dato Haji Nasir; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah 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. – Lyna Mohamad
