THE much-anticipated royal wedding of YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Qawi, the eldest son of His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and YAM Tengku Amalin A’Ishah Putri binti Sultan Ismail Petra is set for June 28 as members of Brunei’s royal family and the royal family of the Malaysian state of Kelantan take a step closer towards entering a new illustrious chapter in their tradition and history.

The royal wedding will be a first between two prominent royal families from Brunei and Kelantan that share a proud heritage and culture which embrace strong family ties and values.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, yesterday left for Kota Bahru, Kelantan to attend the royal wedding of YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Qawi and YAM Tengku Amalin A’Ishah Putri.

Set at the historic Istana Negeri Kubang Kerian in Kota Bahru, Kelantan, the prime residence of the Kelantan royalty, and attended by close family members from the groom’s side, the Majlis Istiadat Pertunangan of YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Qawi and YAM Tengku Amalin A’Ishah Putri was seen as a historic occasion that paved the way for a blossoming storyline involving both highly-respected members of royalty.

The highlight of the royal engagement ceremony, officially referred to as the “Majlis Istiadat Pertunangan”, was when a message presented on behalf of HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah was conveyed by a personal representative, YAM Pengiran Indera Negara Pengiran Anak Haji Puteh ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, to Yang Berhormat Mulia Tengku Panglima Raja Dato’ Tengku Mohammad Rizam bin Tengku Abdul Aziz, a representative of the Raja of Kelantan, for a seal of approval for the wedding of YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Qawi and YAM Tengku Amalin A’Ishah Putri.

Following the exchange of messages by the personal representatives from Brunei and Kelantan, the engagement ceremony continued with the exchange of gifts, an event filled with rich ceremonial traditions with a group of men carrying 11 bronze trays for the Brunei side and 13 bronze trays for the Kelantan side in front of the seated royal guests.

Family members and relatives of YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Qawi also attended a high tea hosted by the Kelantan royalty during the delegation’s stay in Kelantan.

The series of events for the royal wedding ceremony will continue with the “Majlis Akad Nikah” in an equally-colourful ceremony on June 27.

The excitement has built up following concerted efforts and advanced preparations by immediate family members to ensure that the royal wedding, one of the most significant moments in Kelantan, runs smoothly.

Characterised by royal traditions and customs, the “Majlis Istiadat Pertunangan”, a pre-cursor to the main royal wedding ceremony, has been received warmly by the two royal families.

The bersanding ceremony of YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Qawi and YAM Tengku Amalin A’Ishah Putri will also take place in Brunei Darussalam on the first week of July. - Borneo Bulletin (25 June 2013)