In an age where royalty is increasingly defined by global exposure, digital presence, and modern values, few young royals command attention quite like Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei. With his impressive academic background, military credentials, and social media appeal, Prince Mateen represents a new generation of royalty — one that blends tradition with global modernity.
Born into one of the wealthiest royal families in the world, Prince Mateen is not only known for his status but also for his personality, discipline, and the subtle way he navigates his royal responsibilities. This article explores the life, heritage, responsibilities, and rising global profile of Prince Mateen.
Early Life and Background
Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah was born on August 10, 1991, in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei Darussalam, a small but wealthy nation on the island of Borneo. He is the tenth child and fourth son of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the reigning Sultan of Brunei, and Puan Hajah Mariam binti Abdul Aziz, the Sultan’s second wife (they later divorced).
From birth, Prince Mateen was part of a family steeped in royal traditions and Islamic values. Brunei is a Muslim-majority nation, and the royal family plays a central role not only in governance but also in preserving and promoting Islamic heritage and national identity.
Unlike many royals who live shielded from the public eye, Prince Mateen’s upbringing — though private — involved an emphasis on education, discipline, and a strong sense of national duty.
Education and Academic Achievements
Prince Mateen has a well-documented academic history that reflects both his intelligence and his commitment to personal development. He received his early education in Brunei before attending prestigious institutions abroad.
He studied at International School Brunei (ISB) and later at Jerudong International School, both of which are known for delivering British-style curricula. Afterward, he pursued further studies in the United Kingdom, enrolling at King’s College London, one of the world’s top academic institutions.
He graduated with a Master’s degree in International Studies and Diplomacy from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London — a field of study that perfectly complements his future role as a diplomat and royal figure involved in international relations.
His academic choices reveal a clear intent: to prepare for a meaningful role not only within the royal family but also on the global stage.
Military Training and Career
Perhaps one of the most admired aspects of Prince Mateen’s public life is his military background. In 2010, he enrolled in the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, the same prestigious institution attended by royals such as Prince William and Prince Harry.
He graduated as a commissioned officer and has continued to serve in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF). His dedication to military service is not ceremonial; he has undergone rigorous training and participates in national defense activities.
In 2021, Prince Mateen achieved the rank of Major in the RBAF. He has taken part in international military exercises and regularly attends state and ceremonial events in military attire, symbolizing not just his rank but his commitment to national security.
His military discipline is often reflected in his demeanor — calm, composed, and respectable — and has played a key role in shaping his image both domestically and internationally.
Royal Duties and Diplomatic Roles
As a working royal, Prince Mateen has increasingly taken on diplomatic responsibilities on behalf of the Sultanate. He accompanies his father to various official functions, international summits, and state visits.
He has represented Brunei at events such as:
- The Southeast Asian (ASEAN) Summits
- Official state visits with the Sultan to countries such as Saudi Arabia, China, Indonesia, and Japan
- Diplomatic receptions and cultural exchange programs
Though not yet the Crown Prince (his older half-brother, Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, holds that title), Mateen plays an essential role in enhancing Brunei’s image abroad. He exemplifies the country’s soft power — a modern, educated, and respectful figure who reflects Brunei’s values in international settings.
Cultural and Religious Identity
Brunei is a deeply Islamic nation governed under a system of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), a political philosophy that blends Islamic values with Malay culture and monarchical rule. As a royal, Prince Mateen is a prominent symbol of this system.
He attends Islamic religious ceremonies, national day prayers, and contributes to events held during Ramadan and Eid. Despite his international education and exposure, Prince Mateen maintains a visibly Islamic lifestyle. His ability to integrate modernity with his religious identity is one of the reasons he resonates with many young Muslims around the world.
He also champions Bruneian traditions and frequently takes part in cultural festivals and national celebrations that promote the country’s heritage.
Public Image and Global Popularity
Prince Mateen’s appeal extends far beyond Brunei’s borders. He has become a global social media icon, especially popular on Instagram, where he shares curated glimpses of his life — from military drills and royal engagements to polo matches, travel, and his pet tigers.
As of 2025, Prince Mateen’s Instagram following exceeds 2 million, with fans from around the world admiring not only his looks but also his disciplined lifestyle and down-to-earth demeanor.
Unlike many royals who rely solely on formal press coverage, Prince Mateen has embraced digital culture, using social media as a tool for soft diplomacy. His posts are tastefully managed, never controversial, and often focus on national pride, fitness, spirituality, and family — all key components of his image.
This balance between royal dignity and modern relatability has helped build an almost movie-star level of appeal, especially among younger generations.
Interests, Hobbies, and Sports
In addition to his royal and military commitments, Prince Mateen is an avid sportsman. He has represented Brunei in international polo competitions, a sport long associated with royalty and nobility.
His interests include:
- Polo: He has competed in SEA (Southeast Asian) Games and other international polo tournaments.
- Scuba Diving and Marine Conservation: He has shown support for environmental causes and ocean preservation.
- Fitness and Athletics: He frequently posts workout routines and fitness goals, inspiring many young followers.
- Photography: His personal photos, often nature-based or architectural, reflect a creative eye for visual storytelling.
These interests not only humanize him but also serve to promote national identity and pride, showcasing Brunei’s natural beauty and athletic talent.
Personal Life and Relationships
Prince Mateen has largely kept his personal life private. His romantic relationships have been the subject of speculation, but he has never publicly confirmed any partners — a move that reflects the royal family’s discreet approach to personal affairs.
In early 2024, rumors of an engagement were widely circulated but not confirmed by the palace. As of 2025, Prince Mateen remains one of the world’s most eligible bachelors, often featured in lists of “most handsome royals” and “royals to watch.”
His commitment to duty, however, appears to come first — a trait that enhances his respectability even more.
Prince Mateen’s Role in the Future of Brunei
While not the direct heir to the throne, Prince Mateen is widely seen as a future leader, diplomat, or reformer within the Brunei monarchy. His education, charisma, and global mindset position him well for a larger political or ceremonial role in the future.
Brunei, a nation of under half a million people, relies on its royal family for both domestic stability and international presence. Figures like Prince Mateen help bridge generational gaps and symbolize continuity in a changing world.
As Brunei navigates challenges such as economic diversification (moving away from oil dependency) and youth engagement, Prince Mateen is uniquely positioned to help guide these conversations, especially as someone who understands both tradition and innovation.
Conclusion
Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei is more than just a royal figure — he is a symbol of a modern monarchy, one that honors its Islamic and cultural traditions while embracing the global world. His multifaceted identity — military man, academic, sportsman, diplomat, and digital icon — makes him one of the most intriguing and admired young royals today.
As the world continues to watch the evolution of Brunei’s royal family, Prince Mateen stands out not only for his status but for his genuine commitment to service, discipline, and cultural pride. Whether leading a polo team or attending international summits, he represents the balance between old-world monarchy and 21st-century leadership.
His journey has only just begun, but Prince Mateen’s path offers a blueprint for what modern royalty can be — grounded in faith, committed to duty, and open to the world.