Prince Mateen of Brunei is settling nicely into life as a first-time father, as he showed on Thursday, taking to Instagram to share a photo with his daughter.
The 34-year-old son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his former wife, Puan Hajah Mariam binti Abdul Aziz, was seen cradling baby Princess Zahra, who was swaddled in a light pink blanket, smiling at her adoringly as he donned his military uniform.
Prince Mateen shares photo with baby Zahra
The picture seems to have been taken at their London home. In the background, their quietly luxurious living room is on display, featuring an oatmeal-hued L-shaped sofa, a subtle patterned rug, and a mahogany TV stand.
Though their pad is 7,000 miles from the prince's native Brunei, the UK is close to the princess' heart as not only was she born in London, but she studied a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages & European Studies at the University of Bath, graduating in 2017.
Prince Mateen and Princess Anisha become parents
It comes after the news of Zahra's birth was released via the Bruneian news channel, RTB News. A message posted on RTB's official Instagram read: In compliance with the orders of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Office of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, hereby announces that His Royal Highness Princess Anisha Rosnah binti Adam, wife of His Royal Highness Prince Muda 'Abdul Mateen ibni His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, with the permission of Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala, has safely given birth to a daughter on Sunday, 20th, Syaaban, 1447 corresponding to 8th, February, 2026, at 8.50 am."
The report also revealed how the birth was celebrated: "Following this release, 17 cannon shots were fired in the grounds of Istana Nurul Iman."
Princess Zahra makes her public debut
Though the couple is yet to step out since announcing the birth of their baby girl, they did take to social media to mark the occasion – and share the first photo of their newborn with the public.
"Zahra Mariam Bolkiah. Anisha & I are so grateful to the incredible team at JPMC for their exceptional care and support, and so thankful to everyone for the kind wishes," Prince Mateen captioned the post, paying tribute to Jerudong Park Medical Centre in Brunei.
© InstagramThis time, both Mateen and Anisha were pictured at their London home, their daughter's playmat laid out on the floor behind them.
Mateen and Anisha's origin story
The couple wed in 2024 in an extravagant ten-day celebration, which included a ceremony at the Sultan's official residence, Istana Nurul Iman, in Brunei's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Royal guests included Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema.
© Getty ImagesThey are said to have first met many years before tying the knot, with Anisha being the sister of one of the prince's close friends, Danial Isa-Kalebic. They started dating in 2018.
