HRH Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman were feted to a hi-tea reception yesterday afternoon on the occasion of HRH the Crown Prince's 38th birthday.

The ceremony hosted by the officers of the RBAF took place at the Officer's Mess, Berakas Garrison.

Accompanying Their Royal Highnesses to the reception was HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik.

Their Royal Highnesses were greeted on arrival by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Awg Hj Mustappa bin Hj Sirat and the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin.

The ceremony began with a group photo session with senior officers of the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) and the RBAF. Their Royal Highnesses then viewed a screening of photograph compilations of the series of working visits made by HRH the Crown Prince to MinDef and RBAF official events throughout last year until February 2012.

HRH the Crown Prince was then presented with a photo book album entitled "Sejambak Ristaan V".

At the highlight of the event yesterday, HRH the Crown Prince cut the birthday cake and received a 'pesambah'.

According to the RBAF, the gift or 'pesambah' was a replica of HRH the Crown Prince's Royal Crest.

To bless the occasion, a doa kesyukuran was recited by the Deputy Head of the RBAF's Religious Department (JA'MAAT), Lieutenant Ariffin bin Amit.

HRH the Crown Prince also consented to sign the Royal Parchment. Their Royal Highnesses at the end of the event received greetings or 'junjung ziarah' from senior officers of MinDef and the RBAF.

Also present at the event were Permanent Secretaries Deputy Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Defence, the Deputy Commander of the RBAF, as well as service commanders, commandants, military and civilian directors, senior officers and officers at the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. - Borneo Bulletin (18th February 2012)