Sarah, Crown Princess of Brunei

{{Short description|Consort of the Crown Prince of Brunei (born 1987)}}

{{EngvarB|date=March 2015}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}}

{{Malay name|Sarah|Salleh Ab. Rahaman|note=on}}

{{Infobox royalty

| name = Sarah
{{lang|ms|{{Script|Arab|سارة}}}}

| title = Pengiran Anak Isteri

| image = Crown Princess Sarah - 53691392605.jpg

| image_size = 220

| caption = Pengiran Anak Sarah in 2024

| regnal name = Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab. Rahaman

| spouse = {{marriage|Al-Muhtadee Billah|2004}}

| issue = {{plainlist|

}}

| house = Bolkiah (by marriage)

| father = Pengiran Salleh Ab. Rahaman

| mother = Rinawaty Abdullah

| birth_name = Dayangku Sarah binti Pengiran Salleh Ab. Rahaman

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1987|4|9}}

| birth_place = Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

| module = {{infobox person

| embed = yes

| education = {{plain list|

}}

}}

{{Bruneian Royal Family}}

Sarah binti Salleh Ab. Rahaman (Jawi: سارة; born 9 April 1987) is the wife of the Crown Prince of Brunei, Al-Muhtadee Billah and born as the daughter of a distant member of the royal family. While attending a pre-university course at 17, she married the Crown Prince. The couple have four children.

Early life and education

She was born Dayangku Sarah binti Pengiran Salleh Ab. Rahaman at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan, on 9 April 1987, as the third child and only daughter of Pengiran Salleh Ab. Rahaman Pengiran Damit and Rinawaty Abdullah (née Suzanne Aeby).{{Cite news |date=1 September 2004 |title=Dayangku Sarah Aktif Dalam Pelbagai Bidang |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/2004/01%20SEPTEMBER%202004.pdf |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=Pelita Brunei |pages=8-10 |language=ms}} Her father (born 1 June 1950) is a distant member of the royal family and worked as the chief laboratory assistant at the Water Services Division in the Public Works Department. Her mother (born 3 March 1954 in Fribourg, Switzerland) is a nurse who worked in Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital.{{cite web |title=Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Sarah |url=http://www.bruneiresources.com/papsarah.html |work=BruneiResources.com |accessdate=9 June 2011}} Her parents met in the United Kingdom in the 1970s while studying.{{cite news |title=Guests arrive for Brunei crown prince's wedding |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-09/09/content_373142.htm |work=China Daily |date=9 September 2004 |accessdate=9 September 2004}} Her two elder brothers are Awangku Irwan and Awangku Adrian.

At the age of six, Dayangku Sarah started attending St. Andrew's School for her early education in 1993. She earned a passing grade on the primary certificate of education in 1998. At Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College (MSPSBS), she proceeded with her studies, finishing the lower secondary assessment in 2001 and the Brunei–GCE Ordinary Level in 2003. Al-Muhtadee Billah had previously attended the same college where Dayangku Sarah was enrolled in her pre-university studies in 2004. She studied French in addition to her core disciplines. She also played basketball, and participated in charity runs. Between 7 to 23 May 2002, she traveled to China and Mongolia with her parents and brother on a four-wheel drive international trip. In 2004, she and her college peers participated in a study program at the Belalong Rainforest Field Studies Centre during their school breaks.

In February 2009, Pengiran Anak Sarah became a member of the university's army cadets group, joining the women's platoon when the university formed its first group of army cadets. She was named the university's netball team's "most valuable player" in February 2010 after scoring 67 goals and making the final three baskets at the third Ministry of Education Netball Championship, which was played in the Multipurpose Hall of Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.{{Cite web |last=Hezlinawati Haji Abd. Karim |date=2010-02-07 |title=UBD juarai Kejohanan Bola Jaring Kementerian Pendidikan |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/2010/Febuari/PB100210.pdf |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=Pelita Brunei |pages=23-24 |language=ms}} In November 2009, her performance in the third year of the Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy and Administration (English Stream) program earned her one of 140 Book Prizes.{{cite web |last1=Thien |first1=Rachel |author2=Ubaidullah Masli |date=2010-10-01 |title=Princess Sarah gets First Class Honours |url=http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2010/10/01/princess-sarah-gets-first-class-honours |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706150413/http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2010/10/01/princess-sarah-gets-first-class-honours |archive-date=6 July 2011 |accessdate=2011-02-13 |work=The Brunei Times}}{{Cite web |last=Edwin Eng |date=3 November 2009 |title=Royalty at UBD's Medals and Book Prizes Presentation |url=http://www.sultanate.com/news_server/2009/3_nov_2.html |access-date=2019-06-01 |website=www.sultanate.com |publisher=Borneo Bulletin}} Pengiran Anak Sarah graduated with first-class honours at the 22nd convocation of UBD on 30 September 2010, where she was among the 1,114 graduates receiving their degrees in the presence of the sultan and other members of the royal family.{{Cite news |last=Dk. Siti Redzaimi Pg. Haji Ahmad |date=2 October 2010 |title=UBD BERJAYA LAHIRKAN INSAN YANG HOLISTIK: 789 graduan terima Ijazah Sarjana dan Ijazah Sarjana Muda |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/2010/Oktober/PB021010.pdf |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=Pelita Brunei |pages=12-13 |language=ms}} She later remarked that transitioning from a science background to one in policy and administration was "extremely tough."

On 17 April 2011, Pengiran Anak Sarah participated in UBD's Jogathon 2011, supporting the female student category.{{Cite web |last=Lyna Mohamad |date=18 April 2011 |title=Royalty joins UBD Jogathon |url=http://www.sultanate.com/news_server/2011/18_apr_3.html |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=www.sultanate.com |publisher=Borneo Bulletin}} Later, on 29 September, she completed her master's degree in Public Policy in English Medium at the 23rd Convocation of UBD.{{Cite news |date=September 2011 |title=Nation needs capable generations |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/Publication%20listsPDF/Brunei%20Darussalam%20Newsletter/2011/BD%20SEPT%202011%20FA.pdf |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=Brunei Darussalam Newsletter |pages=1 and 9 |volume=26 |issue=9}}{{Cite news |last=Abdullah Asgar |last2=Hajah Siti Zuraihah Haji Awang Sulaiman |date=1 October 2011 |title=801 graduan UBD menerima ijazah |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/2011/Oktober/PB011011.pdf |access-date=22 December 2024 |work=Pelita Brunei |pages=11 |language=ms}}

Marriage and children

File:Visit to Singapore Botanical Gardens by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah and Princess Sarah.jpg on 10 March 2005{{Cite web |date=2005-03-11 |title=Crown Prince meets S'pore leaders |url=http://sultanate.com/news_server/11_mar_3.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=sultanate.com}}]]

On 9 September 2004, while still attending MSPSBS, she married 30-year-old Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, at the age of 17. The event took place at Istana Nurul Iman.{{Cite web|title=Guests arrive for Brunei crown prince's wedding|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-09/09/content_373142.htm|website=ChinaDaily.com.cn|date=9 September 2004|access-date=2022-08-18|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110607042956/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-09/09/content_373142.htm| archive-date=7 June 2011|url-status= live}} Guests included the Duke of Gloucester, the Crown Prince of Japan, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Princes Bandar bin Sultan and Saud bin Faisal of Saudi Arabia, the King of Bahrain, and several Malaysian sultans. The wedding was also attended by heads of state and government from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The wedding included a bersanding ceremony, and a drive around Bandar Seri Begawan in a golden-topped Rolls-Royce.{{Cite news|last=Kent|first=Jonathan|date=9 September 2004|title=Brunei's future king gets married|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3640114.stm|website=News.BBC.co.uk|publisher=BBC News|access-date=24 April 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514050142/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3640114.stm|archive-date=14 May 2011}}

The royal couple have four children. Their first child and future heir to the Brunei throne, Pengiran Muda Abdul Muntaqim, was born on 17 March 2007 at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital.{{cite web |url=http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/Archive/Mar07/180307/nite08.htm |title=Brunei Hails Birth of New Prince |access-date=20 March 2007|work=BruneiDirect|date=18 March 2007|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070320201254/http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/Archive/Mar07/180307/nite08.htm|archive-date=20 March 2007|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|title=Brunei's crown prince and wife have baby boy|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20070318-55546/Brunei%27s_crown_prince_and_wife_have_baby_boy|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|agency=Agence France Presse |date=18 March 2007|access-date=24 April 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221081627/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20070318-55546/Brunei%27s_crown_prince_and_wife_have_baby_boy|archive-date=21 December 2014|df=dmy-all}} Their second child, a daughter, Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah, was born on 2 January 2011.{{cite news |title=His Majesty has named His Majesty's grand-daughter|url=http://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn/includes/printArticle.php?news_id=16581|work=Radio Television Brunei|date=2 January 2011|access-date=9 June 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219203245/http://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn/includes/printArticle.php?news_id=16581|archive-date=19 February 2011|df=dmy-all}} Pengiran Anak Sarah gave birth to their third child and second son, Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman on 7 June 2015.{{cite news|url=http://borneobulletin.com.bn/his-majesty-names-royal-grandson/|work=Borneo Bulletin|title=His Majesty names royal grandson|date=21 June 2015|access-date=22 June 2015|archive-date=22 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622122306/http://borneobulletin.com.bn/his-majesty-names-royal-grandson/|url-status=dead}} Their fourth child and second daughter, Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa' Raihaanul Bolkiah, was born at 15:54, on 1 December 2017.{{cite news|url= http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Lists/Berita/NewDisplayForm.aspx?ID=13698&ContentTypeId=0x0100BC31BF6D2ED1E4459ACCF88DA3E23BA8 | work = Pelita Brunei|title=Kebawah DYMM berkenan mengurniakan nama cucunda baginda|date=6 December 2017}}

class=wikitable

!name

bornplace of birthage
Pengiran Muda Abdul Muntaqim{{Birth date|2007|03|17|df=y}}Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Brunei{{Age in years and months|2007|03|17|df=y}}
Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah{{Birth date|2011|01|02|df=y}}Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei{{Age in years and months|2011|01|02|df=y}}
Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman{{Birth date|2015|06|07|df=y}}Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei{{Age in years and months|2015|06|07|df=y}}
Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa' Raihaanul Bolkiah{{Birth date|2017|12|01|df=y}}Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei{{Age in years and months|2017|12|01|df=y}}

Charity work

File:BYS Premiere Concert 2024 20.jpg

Pengiran Anak Sarah has been involved in various charitable causes and community initiatives. At the launch of the Anti-Corruption Bureau's drama Code 486 on 2 April 2006, she emphasised that corruption is a country's internal enemy and urged young people to embrace patriotic ideals and refrain from anti-social behaviours. Her message highlighted the importance of integrity and social responsibility in building a stronger nation.{{Cite web |date=3 April 2006 |title=Her Royal Highness describes corruption as internal enemy |url=http://sultanate.com/news_server/2006/3_apr_3.html |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=sultanate.com}} Additionally, at the inauguration of the 6th International School Brunei (ISB) Borneo Global Issues Conference (BGIC) on 1 March 2008, she stressed the significance of young people’s involvement in addressing global challenges, particularly environmental issues, and advocated for their active participation in finding solutions to these pressing problems, underscoring their vital role in shaping the future.{{Cite web |last=Ahmed Shaheeb |date=2 March 2008 |title=Global issues critical for youth development |url=http://sultanate.com/news_server/2008/2_mar_1.html |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=sultanate.com |publisher=Borneo Bulletin}}

On 17 May 2012, during the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day ceremony in Brunei, Pengiran Anak Sarah presented simulated certificates for ICT training to women's associations, aiming to enhance their technological skills, a crucial area for personal and professional growth in the modern world.{{Cite web |last=Hakim Hayat |date=18 May 2012 |title=Sultanate - News {{!}} Negara Brunei Darussalam {{!}} Royalty at WTISD celebration |url=http://www.sultanate.com/news_server/2012/18_may_1.html |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=www.sultanate.com |publisher=Borneo Bulletin}} On 11 May 2013, she presided over the launch of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam's ALAF program, a corporate social responsibility initiative dedicated to providing education to impoverished and orphaned children in Brunei, reflecting her commitment to supporting underprivileged communities.{{Cite web |last=Lyna Mohamad |date=12 May 2013 |title=Royalty launches BIBD's ALAF programme |url=http://www.sultanate.com/news_server/2013/12_may_1.html |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=www.sultanate.com |publisher=Borneo Bulletin}} Pengiran Anak Sarah’s dedication to youth development was further demonstrated on 10 March 2017, when she emphasised the importance of investing in young people for a sustainable future. At the 13th ISB BGIC, she highlighted the need for responsible development to address challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change, while also supporting the development of essential life skills such as communication, negotiation, and global awareness.{{Cite web |last=Azlan Othman |date=2017-03-02 |title=Invest in the next generation, says Her Royal Highness |url=http://borneobulletin.com.bn/invest-next-generation-says-royal-highness/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312130218/http://borneobulletin.com.bn/invest-next-generation-says-royal-highness/ |archive-date=2017-03-12 |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Borneo Bulletin Online}}

On 26 May 2023, Pengiran Anak Sarah visited an exhibition during the opening of the Children’s Cancer Foundation centre, where she accepted a drawing from a young cancer survivor, demonstrating her ongoing support for children's health and well-being.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-26 |title=Royal launch: YASKA Brunei unveils new children’s cancer centre |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/royal-launch-yaska-brunei-unveils-new-childrens-cancer-centre/ |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Kon |first=James |date=2023-05-27 |title=New YASKA centre launched |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/new-yaska-centre-launched/ |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}} In addition to her charitable efforts, she has actively participated in sporting events. On 4 August 2024, she competed in the 5th Borneo Run Half Marathon, racing in the women's open division and covering a distance of 21.18 kilometres, before awarding prizes to the winners.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-04 |title=Her Royal Highness joins Borneo Run |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/her-royal-highness-joins-borneo-run/ |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}} Later, on 3 November 2024, she presented prizes at the VA Run, recognising the winners of the 10km male and female open categories and supporting Team Peak in placing second in the Corporate 10km category.{{Cite web |last=Fadhil Yunus |date=2024-11-04 |title=Royalty helps Team Peak to 2nd place in VA Run |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/royalty-helps-team-peak-to-2nd-place-in-va-run/ |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}}

Pengiran Anak Sarah is the royal patron of several organisations, including the Brunei Ladies Golf Association{{Cite web |last=Azlan Othman |date=2024-05-18 |title=Her Royal Highness presents prizes to golf tournament winners |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/her-royal-highness-presents-prizes-to-golf-tournament-winners/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241222091037/https://borneobulletin.com.bn/her-royal-highness-presents-prizes-to-golf-tournament-winners/#selection-3049.43-3049.73 |archive-date=2024-12-22 |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}} and the ISB BGIC.{{Cite web |last=Sonia Kaur |last2=Malek Hashim |date=1 March 2009 |title=Royal call to preserve indigenous cultures |url=http://www.sultanate.com/news_server/2009/1_mar_4.html |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=www.sultanate.com |publisher=Borneo Bulletin}}

Titles, styles and honours

{{Infobox hrhstyles

|royal name = Pengiran Anak Sarah

|image = 70px

|dipstyle = Yang Teramat Mulia

|offstyle = Your Royal Highness

}}

= Titles and styles =

She is referred to by government media and English-language publications in the country as the wife of the Crown Prince, rather than Crown Princess (Puteri Mahkota). The title "Pengiran Anak Isteri" (Princess consort) is given to the wife of a prince.

  • 9 April 1987 – 9 September 2004: {{Langx|ms|Yang Mulia Dayangku|label=none}}
  • Since 9 September 2004: {{Langx|ms|Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri|label=none}}

= Things named after her =

  • Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah Mosque, a mosque in Kampong Sungai Kelugos.{{Cite web |title=Berita Terkini - Peraduan Kuiz Hijrah : Masjid Raja Isteri... |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Lists/Berita%202018/NewDisplayForm.aspx?ID=42738 |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn}}

= Honours =

== National ==

{{Main|Orders, decorations, and medals of Brunei}}

  • 50x50px Order of Laila Utama First Class (DK; 15 July 2005) – Dato Laila Utama {{Cite web |last=Refa'ah Ali Osman |date=2005-07-20 |title=40 Dikurniakan Bintang Kebesaran |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/2005/20%20JULAI%202005.pdf |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn |page=10 |language=ms}}

== Foreign ==

  • {{flag|Jordan}}:
  • 50x50px Grand Cordon of the Order of the Star of Jordan (13 May 2008){{Cite web |title=Attorney General's Chambers - Senior Minister |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/SitePages/Senior%20Minister.aspx |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=www.agc.gov.bn}}
  • {{flag|Netherlands}}:
  • 50x50px Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown (21 January 2013)[http://www.annadellorusso.com/2013/05/14/new-king-of-the-netherlands/ Annadellorusso]
  • 50x50px Recipient of the King Willem-Alexander Inauguration Medal (30 April 2013){{Cite web |date=2013-05-01 |title=Inauguration of King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima |url=https://www.redlandcitybulletin.com.au/story/1470139/inauguration-of-king-willem-alexander-and-queen-maxima/ |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=Redland City Bulletin |language=en-AU}}

References

{{Reflist}}