His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha yesterday morning granted an audience to Ms Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of Australia and her spouse, Mr Michael Bryce, who are in the country for a three-day State Visit, which began Tuesday night.

Upon arrival, His Majesty and Her Majesty welcomed the Governor-General of Australia and spouse at the dais for the Salute of Honour, which was followed by the national anthems of both countries.

A twenty-one gun salute followed as the two leaders inspected the guard of honour from personnel of the Royal Brunei Land Forces.

Ms Quentin Bryce and spouse were introduced to the members of the royal family; state dignitaries; Cabinet ministers; deputy ministers; Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces; Commissioner of Police; Heads of Foreign Mission in Brunei Darussalam; as well as Permanent Secretaries at the Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and their respective spouses.

His Majesty and Her Majesty in return were introduced to the members of the delegation of Ms Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of Australia.

The delegation of the Governor-General of Australia included Mr Todd Mercer, High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam and other senior officials from Australia.

An audience ceremony was later held at the Ceradi Laila Kencana. Also present at the audience ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Bini Hajah Faizah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim; His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; as well as other members of the royal family.

Also attending the audience ceremony was Mr Todd Mercer, High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam.

Prior to the official welcoming ceremony, Ms Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of Australia and Mr Michael Bryce were accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul Azim to Istana Nurul Iman.

Some 4,000 students lined up along the main road towards the main entrance of Istana Nurul Iman, waving flags of both countries to welcome the the Governor-General of Australia. - Borneo Bulletin (4 October 2012)