His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was at the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque yesterday for the 'Akad Nikah Diraja' or solemnisation of marriage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Pg. Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah and Dayangku Sarah binti Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman. Arriving with His Majesty were HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj Abdul Azim, HRH Prince Abdul Malik and HRH Prince Abdul Mateen for the 'Istiadat' in the heart of the capital.

Accompanying HRH the Crown Prince were HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah and Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria with an entourage steeped in Malay monarchy tradition.

His Majesty was greeted upon arrival at the mosque by YAM Pg. Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pg. Anak Hj Abdul Aziz Chief of Adat Istiadat, Pehin Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Awg Mohd Zain Minister of Religious Affairs and other prominent religious figures.

His Majesty and members of the royal family later performed a 'Sunat' or recommended prayer at the mosque. HRH the Crown Prince then made his way to the mosque accompanied by HRH Prince Hj Sufri and troupes carrying royal regalia such as 'Tumbak', 'Pedang', 'Senipit', 'Kabuk', 'Penastan'.

Other royal regalia used were four ceremonial candles carried by Awang-Awang wearing ceremonial dress and arranged to sit at the four corners of the royal groom's seat, 'Kasur Namat' (a square cushion) used to seat the groom. It is yellow in colour and laced with yellow-coloured material around the edges.

His Royal Highness wore a full white Malay dress, complete with 'Dastar'. The ceremony also saw the appearance of 'Dian' (big candle).

The ceremony began with Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Paduka Dr. Hj Awg Hussin informed YAM Pg. Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah who later said in a "Sabda" to His Majesty that the ceremony was ready to proceed. His Majesty then consented to order the ceremony to begin.

Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Hj Awg Salim carried out the solemnisation ceremony for His Majesty's son with 'Mahar' worth $1,000. Prior to the ceremony, the Surah Al-Fatihah was read.

Pehin Dato Hj Salim read the solemnisation sermon followed by the solemnisation pillars, later followed by 19 canon shots fired outside the mosque.

The solemnisation of marriage ceremony continued with the reading of 'Lafaz Ta'alik' by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince who later signed the solemnisation form along with Ta'alik followed by six witnesses of the solemnisation ceremony.

Once the solemnisation of marriage was completed, a prayer of thanks was read by the State Mufti. His Royal Highness then greeted His Majesty, HRH Prince Mohamed and HRH's father-in-law, Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman. - Borneo Bulletin