The capital was lit up in a grand spectrum of colours last night as fireworks illuminated the Sultanate's skies, marking the celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 66th birthday.

Thousands of invited guests comprising state dignitaries, Cabinet Ministers, foreign diplomats, high ranking government officials and specially-invited guests attended the customary royal banquet in monarch's honour at the Royal Banquet Hall of the Istana Nurul Iman.

At the grand banquet, His Majesty was accompanied by Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha; HRH Prince Hj Al-Muthadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office; HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah; HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; HRH Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Zariah; HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah; YAM Pengiran Bini Hjh Faizah bte Dato Haji Nasir; HRH Prince Hj Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik and HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

Also present were HRH Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hjh Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hjh Majeedah Nurul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah, HRH Princess 'Azemah Ni'matul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hjh Masna and other members of the royal family.

Prior to the banquet, a doa selamat was recited by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Abdul Aziz Juned.

Among the foreign dignitaries attending the banquet last night were HRH Princess Basma binti Talal and Dato Seri Setia Al-Sayed Walid Ismail Al-Kurdi of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; the Chief Minister of Sarawak, YAB Pehin Sri Dr Haji Abdul Taib bin Mahmud and his wife; and Chief Minister of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Musa Haji Aman and his wife. - Borneo Bulletin (16 July 2012)