Royalty attend Belait get-together

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 received a warm welcome yesterday from Belait residents at the first get-together held at the district’s municipal field to celebrate the monarch’s 77th birthday.

His Majesty, accompanied by 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 Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, was greeted by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman on arrival.

At the venue His Majesty and members of the royal family were welcomed by students waving miniature national flags and beating the hadrah.

The celebration started with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a performance titled Raja Berdaulat, Berjiwa Rakyat by 377 students and youth members.

Later, His Majesty toured the booths, where the monarch was greeted by senior citizens, frontliners and residents as well as representatives of institutions, companies and the British Forces Brunei.

Following the ceremony, His Majesty and members of the royal family attended a luncheon at the residence of the Belait District Officer. – Daniel Lim