Princess Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah

Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah (born 26 July 1969) is the eldest daughter of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Queen Saleha.

Education and early life

Princess Rashidah (or Rashida) attended Puteri-Putera School, St. Andrew's School, Jerudong International School and graduated Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) with a Master's degree in Public Policy and Administration. She worked in the Public Service Department of the Prime Minister's Office in 1994, and the Ministry of Development in 1995.

Marriage and children

Marriage

The marriage of Princess Rashidah and her will-be husband, ''Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Shahibul Irshad'' Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Rahim, was broadcast to the public via Radio Television Brunei (RTB), and the celebration followed the Malay Muslim Monarchy philosophy. The ''Majlis Istiadat Bersuruh Diraja'' held at Istana Nurul Iman on 9 August 1996. Prior to the wedding, rumors have been circulating around the population of Brunei. The ''Gendang Jaga-Jaga'' began with court musicians playing traditional music instruments, followed by a 21-gun salute at the Lapau. After that, the ''Menerima Tanda Diraja'' was carried out on 12 August.

Then on the Afternoon of 13 August, the ''Menerima Pertunangan Diraja'' began. That following day, the ''Berbedak'' Ceremony was carried out, and at Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, ''Akad Nikah'' unites both the bride and groom on 15 August. After several days of ceremonies, Bersanding was carried out in the Throne Hall of the Istana Nurul Iman with the presence of the Royal family, both local and foreign 5,000 guests on 18 August. Whitney Houston gave a private concert to celebrate her wedding. According to reports, she received $7 million to perform at this occasion.

Children

Princess Rashidah and Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahim have 2 sons and 3 daughters. The order by age is as follows;

* Pengiran Anak Raheemah Sanaul Bolkiah (born 28 December 1997)
* Pengiran Anak Hariisah Widadul Bolqiah (born 25 October 1999)
* Pengiran Anak Abdul Raqiib (born 14 May 2002)
* Pengiran Anak Abdul Haseeb (born 14 January 2006)
* Pengiran Anak Raqeeqah Raayatul Bolqiah (born 16 December 2009)

Personal interests

Princess Rashidah enjoys playing badminton and bowling.

She is the current President of Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD). During the World Thinking Day 2014 celebration, she mentioned the improvement of the educational attainment level among the PPPBD members who are still in school, and to enhance their ability to pursue higher education.

Honours

Namesakes

* Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Secondary School, a government secondary school in Lumut.
* Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Religious School, a religious school in Seria.
* Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, a health institute in Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
* Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Health Centre, a health centre in Sungai Asam, Lumapas.
* Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Mosque, a mosque in Sungai Akar, Bandar Seri Begawan.
* Princess Rashidah Young Nature Scientist Award (PRYNSA), a prestigious and high profile awareness programme.

Honours

National

* Order of the Crown of Brunei (DKMB; 15 August 1982)
* Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal First Class (PHBS)
* Proclamation of Independence Medal (1 January 1984)
* Sultan of Brunei Silver Jubilee Medal (5 October 1992)
* Sultan of Brunei Golden Jubilee Medal (5 October 2017)
* National Day Silver Jubilee Medal (23 February 2009)

Foreign

*:
** Grand Cordon Supreme Order of the Renaissance (13 May 2008)

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah
Bruneian royalty
Bruneian princesses
Daughters of Bruneian sultans
Universiti Brunei Darussalam alumni
Children of prime ministers of Brunei
Recipients of Supreme Order of the Renaissance (Jordan)
1969 births
Living people