His
Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan
of Brunei Darussalam, is the 29th of his line, which dates back to the fourteenth
century.
Being the eldest son, he became Crown Prince in 1961 and ascended the Throne on 5th
October 1967 following the voluntary abdication of his father, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji
Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien.
His Majesty the Sultan was crowned on 1st August 1968 in pomp and pageantry befitting
Brunei's ancient customs and traditions.
His Majesty was born on 15th July 1946 at the Istana (Palace) Darussalam in the capital,
Brunei Town (now Bandar Seri Begawan). He received his early education in the form
of private tuition at the Istana Darul Hana and attended top institutions in both
Brunei and Malaya (Peninsular Malaysia) before furthering his studies in the United
Kingdom where he later qualified for admission as an officer cadet at the Sandhurst
Royal Military Academy and was commissioned as a Captain in 1967. He left Sandhurst
in October of the same year to ascend the throne.
Besides being the Sultan and the Ruler, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
is concurrently the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and head
of the religion of Brunei Darussalam. Being a working monarch, he is involved in
the conduct of the State affairs internally and internationally.
Like his illustrious father, who is fondly remembered as the Architect of Modern
Brunei, His Majesty is a caring monarch and tirelessly works for the continued well-being
of his people. In addition to the usual day-to-day administration of the government
and receiving foreign dignitaries. His Majesty is always on the move, visiting government
departments and related institutions, security forces on military maneuvers, and
villages including remote parts of the State. This brings him very close to the people,
who love and revere him.
The promotion and strengthening of relations with the outside world also get top
priority from His Majesty. He has traveled widely in Southeast Asia, East Asia, The
Middle East, Europe, and the United States. He addressed the United Nations General
Assembly on Brunei Darussalam's admission to the UN in September, 1984.
His Majesty takes great interests in sports, including polo in which he has excelled
in matches against international teams both locally and outside of the State.
One of His Majesty's remarkable achievements was the setting up of the Sultan Haji
Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation in 1992. The foundation is a gift of His Majesty to his
people and is devoted to, among other things, financing research-related works, particularly
in the fields of knowledge.
His Majesty is married to Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajjah Saleha
and has ten children - four princes
and six princesses.
His Majesty's official residence is the Istana Nurul Iman, which is also the country's
seat of administration.
