Brunei's 'Instagrammer' Prince Marries in Lavish 10-Day Celebration

Prince Abdul Mateen, a popular figure on social media, ties the knot in a grand display of the country's wealth amid economic challenges.

Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei, a popular figure on social media, has married his commoner fiancée, Anisha Rosnah Isa Kalebic, in a lavish 10-day celebration.
Mateen, the 10th child and fourth son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, is unlikely to ascend the throne but has become a public relations asset for the royal family, which has faced scandals and global censure.
His matinee idol looks and sense of adventure, showcased on Instagram, have earned him 2.5 million followers and the moniker of a 'cultural Instagrammer', connecting with a younger generation of Bruneians.
The wedding celebrations, which include a royal banquet and a parade through the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, are seen as a display of the country's extreme wealth, derived almost entirely from its oil reserves.
Despite the country's wealth, analysts warn that Brunei faces challenges in diversifying its economy away from oil as crude prices remain volatile and its reserves dwindle.