Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has removed all royal titles from his daughter-in-law, Pengiran Rabiatul-Adawiyah, over what he called inappropriate behaviour.
According to the official statement, Rabiatul-Adawiyah’s behaviour was considered disrespectful towards Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and was said to have affected the reputation of the monarchy. However, authorities did not disclose specific details about the conduct.
The Office of the Grand Chamberlain of Brunei Darussalam confirmed that the titles were withdrawn with immediate effect on the Sultan’s orders.
Following the decision, she lost her royal title, “Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Istri.”
Rabiatul-Adawiyah, 33, is married to Prince Abdul Malik, 43, the Sultan’s son and fourth in line to the Brunei throne.
There has been no official announcement of a divorce or separation between Rabiatul-Adawiyah and Prince Abdul Malik.
The couple married in a royal ceremony in Bandar Seri Begawan in 2015 and have four children. Reports say their children have retained their royal titles.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, 80, has ruled Brunei since 1968 and is one of the world’s longest serving monarchs. In previous cases, he also removed the royal titles of former wives following their divorces.
In 2003, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah also removed the royal titles of his second wife, Maryam Abdul Aziz, following their divorce. A similar decision was taken in 2010 involving his third wife, Azrinaz Mazhar Hakim.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, 80, has ruled Brunei since 1968 and is the world’s longest-reigning monarch.