Hassanal Bolkiah was born to the Crown Prince of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien and his wife Crown Princess Damit. Hassanal grew up with his 3 younger brothers and 6 younger sisters. When he was just 4yrs old Hassanal's uncle passed away and his father became the Sultan, making the young Hassanahl Crown Prince of Brunei. The Crown Prince spent his High School years at the Victoria Institute in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and later went to study at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK.
In 1967 Sultan Omar abdicated and the 21 year old Crown Prince became Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei. As sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah has full executive authority. On March 9th 2006 he amended the constitution to make him infallible under the laws of Brunei. The Sultan also holds the titles of Prime Minister, President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
In September 1984 Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah went before the UN to ask to be admitted to the United Nations. In 1991 the Sultan introduced an Islamic ideology to the country of Brunei, and Islam became the official religion of the country.
Since becoming Sultan in 1967 Hassanal Bolkiah has worked to improve the education system in Brunei. He has also expanded all three branches of the military. The Sultan introduced legislation that ensures children, policemen and members of the armed forces receive free medical treatment. The Sultan is heavily involved in foreign affairs, particularly in and around the Asia-Pacific region.
Sultan Hassanal Bokiah married his first cousin, Queen Saleha on July 28th 1965, she is his primary wife. He has also married two other women, Queen Mariam (1982-2003) and Queen Azrinaz (2005-2010). Hassanal has divorced both Mariam and Azrinaz and they were stripped of their titles, he is currently only married to Saleha. Between his three wives he has a total of 12 children (5 sons, 7 daughters) and 11 grandchildren.
With Queen Saleha he has;
1). Princess Rashidah born on 26th July 1969 (married to Prince Abdul Rahim with 5 children: Princess Raheemah, Princess Hariisah, Prince Raqiib, Prince Haseeb & Princess Raqeeqah)
2). Princess Muta-Wakkilah born on 12th October 1971
3). Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah born on 17th February 1974 (married to Crown Princess Sarah with three children, Prince Abdul Muntaqim, Princess Muneerah & Prince Muhammad Aiman)
4). Princess Majeedah born on 16th March 1976 (married to Prince Khairul Khalil with two children, Prince Hafiz and Princess Raihaanah)
5). Princess Hajah born on 12th March 1980 (married to Prince Mohammad Ruzaini with 1 child, Muhammad Za'eem)
6). Prince Abdul Malik born on 20th June 1983 and married to Princess Rabiatul
Queen Mariam and Hassanal Bolkiah share four children together;
1). Prince Abdul Azim born on 29th July 1982
2). Princess Azemah born on 26th September 1984
3). Princess Fadzillah born on 23rd August 1985
4). Prince Abdul Mateen born on 10th August 1991
Queen Azrinaz has two children with the Sultan;
1). Prince Abdul Wakeel born on 1st June 2006
2). Princess Ameerah born on 28th January 2008
The Sultan and his family reside in the Palace of Brunei known as 'Istana Nurul Iman.' The palace has 1,788 rooms, plenty of room for the Sultan and his family.
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