The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, has stripped his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Raabi’atul Adawiyyah, of her royal titles over conduct described by the palace as “unbecoming” of a member of the royal family.
The 33-year-old, who is married to the Sultan’s second son, Prince Abdul Malik, lost the title “Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri” following a royal decree issued at the Sultan’s command. The Office of the Grand Chamberlain said her conduct had also shown a lack of respect towards the Sultan and had tarnished the good name of the monarchy.
However, the palace has not disclosed what exactly Raabi’atul did to prompt the unprecedented decision, leaving the specific circumstances behind the title revocation unclear. Reports have also stressed that the action was directed at Raabi’atul personally and does not affect the royal status of her children.
Raabi’atul married Prince Abdul Malik in 2015 in a lavish 10-day royal wedding ceremony. The couple have four daughters together, and their royal titles remain unchanged despite their mother's loss of status. Prince Abdul Malik is fourth in line to the Bruneian throne.
The move has attracted international attention because royal titles are closely tied to status and protocol within Brunei's monarchy. The Sultan, who is also the country's prime minister, has ruled Brunei since 1967 and remains one of the world's longest-reigning monarchs.
While speculation has emerged online about the possible reasons for the decision, no specific allegations beyond the official description of “unbecoming” conduct and lack of respect have been confirmed by the palace. The official position therefore remains that Raabi’atul's titles were revoked because her conduct was considered inconsistent with the standards expected of a spouse of a member of the royal family.
