The Brunei Royal Family is one of the oldest and most prestigious monarchies in the world, with a lineage tracing back to the 14th century. The monarchy has played a vital role in shaping the nation’s history, culture, and governance. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the current ruler, is the 29th Sultan of Brunei, continuing a legacy of over 600 years.

This article provides a detailed history of the Brunei royal family tree, from the first Sultan to the present-day ruling family.

The Early History of the Brunei Monarchy

Brunei’s royal lineage is believed to have begun with Awang Alak Betatar, the first Sultan of Brunei. Before adopting Islam, Brunei’s rulers were influenced by Hindu and Buddhist traditions from the Majapahit Empire. However, with the spread of Islam in Southeast Asia, Brunei’s rulers embraced the faith, marking a significant transformation in the kingdom.

Complete Lineage of Brunei Sultans

1st Sultan: Sultan Muhammad Shah (Reign: 1363 – 1402)

  • Originally Awang Alak Betatar, he was the first ruler of Brunei to adopt Islam.
  • Converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Shah after marrying a Johor princess.
  • Established Brunei as a regional power.

2nd Sultan: Sultan Abdul Majid Hassan (Reign: 1402 – 1408)

  • Son of Sultan Muhammad Shah.
  • Strengthened trade relations with China and other neighboring kingdoms.

3rd Sultan: Sultan Ahmad (Reign: 1408 – 1425)

  • Further solidified Islam as the state religion.

4th Sultan: Sultan Sharif Ali (Reign: 1425 – 1432)

  • Originally from Mecca, Saudi Arabia, he married into the Brunei royal family.
  • Strengthened Islamic laws and traditions in Brunei.

5th Sultan: Sultan Sulaiman (Reign: 1432 – 1485)

  • Expanded Brunei’s influence across Borneo.

6th Sultan: Sultan Bolkiah (Reign: 1485 – 1524)

  • Known as Nakhoda Ragam (The Singing Captain), he was a great warrior and explorer.
  • Expanded Brunei’s empire to include the Philippines, Sarawak, and parts of Indonesia.

7th Sultan: Sultan Abdul Kahar (Reign: 1524 – 1530)

  • Strengthened Islamic institutions in Brunei.

8th Sultan: Sultan Saiful Rijal (Reign: 1533 – 1581)

  • Resisted Spanish colonization attempts in the Philippines.

9th Sultan: Sultan Shah Brunei (Reign: 1581 – 1582)

  • Ruled for only one year before being succeeded.

10th Sultan: Sultan Muhammad Hasan (Reign: 1582 – 1598)

  • Known for strengthening Brunei’s economy and governance.

11th – 20th Sultans (1598 – 1885)

The Brunei monarchy continued under various sultans, but its power declined due to the rise of European colonial empires. Brunei lost territory to the British and Dutch during this period.

21st Sultan: Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin (Reign: 1885 – 1906)

  • Signed the Treaty of Protection with Britain, making Brunei a British protectorate.

22nd – 27th Sultans (1906 – 1967)

  • Brunei remained under British administration while the monarchy continued.

Modern Brunei Royal Family

28th Sultan: Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III (Reign: 1950 – 1967)

  • Father of the current Sultan.
  • Negotiated Brunei’s independence from British rule.

29th Sultan: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (Reign: 1967 – Present)

  • Full Name: Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah
  • Date of Birth: July 15, 1946
  • Reign: Since 1967
  • Known for:
    • Leading Brunei to independence in 1984.
    • One of the wealthiest monarchs in the world due to Brunei’s oil wealth.
    • Implementing strict Islamic laws while maintaining a modern economy.

The Current Brunei Royal Family

1. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s Wives

  • Queen Saleha (Raja Isteri, official wife)
  • Mariam Abdul Aziz (Former wife)
  • Azrinaz Mazhar Hakim (Former wife)

2. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s Children

  • Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah (Crown Prince, heir to the throne)
  • Prince Abdul Malik
  • Prince Abdul Mateen
  • Princess Rashidah
  • Princess Muta-Wakkilah
  • Princess Hafizah
  • Princess Ameerah

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