LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Tall, dark, and handsome—or as the young-ins call it: TDH.
These are the words often used to describe Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen, who recently turned heads while attending the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Cebu with his father, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
But beyond his looks and popularity, what is there to know about his life as a royalty?
READ: Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen turns heads during Asean Summit in Cebu
Royal by blood
Prince Mateen, 34, is the fourth son and tenth child of the Sultan, born to his former second wife, Mariam Abdul Aziz.
He currently stands fifth in line to the Bruneian throne, placing him among the key figures in the royal line of succession.
READ: Brunei’s Sultan flies himself to Cebu for Asean 2026
His father remains the world’s longest-reigning current monarch as of 2026, ruling Brunei since 1967 and serving as Prime Minister since the nation gained independence in 1984.
As part of his royal duties, Mateen frequently joins diplomatic engagements both within Brunei and abroad.
READ: Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen marries commoner fiancee
He pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, earning a degree in International Politics from King’s College London.
In July 2016, he completed a Master of Arts in the International Studies and Diplomacy at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
Brains and brawn
Outside official functions, Prince Mateen is known for his passion for polo, a sport widely enjoyed by members of Brunei’s royal family.
He has represented Brunei in polo competitions at the Southeast Asian Games on three occasions alongside his sister, Princess Azemah.
During the 2017 SEA Games, the Bruneian team, which included both siblings, secured a bronze medal finish.
The team repeated its bronze medal performance at the 2019 SEA Games, maintaining a consistent presence in the sport.
At the 2025 SEA Games, Mateen and Azemah helped the team achieve a silver medal in the low goal division and a bronze in the high goal category.
A doting husband, father
On October 2023, the royal court announced Mateen’s engagement to Anisha Rosnah binti Adam, also known before marriage as Anisha Isa-Kalebic.
The couple, who had known each other since childhood, were reported to have begun their relationship in 2018.
They wed in January 2024 through a lavish ten-day royal celebration attended by foreign dignitaries, including Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Liza Araneta Marcos.
Two years later, Anisha gave birth to their daughter, Zahra Mariam, on February 8, 2026.
Prince Mateen, who has amassed more than three million followers on Instagram, often shares snapshots of his life as a husband and father on social media.
Delegate in the 48th Asean Summit
Following the conclusion of the 48th Asean Summit in Cebu, photos of Prince Mateen with local officials circulated widely online and drew reactions from netizens.
“Ang gwapo ni prince,” one netizen wrote.
“Welcome to Cebu handsome Prince A. Mateen,” another said.
In a social media post, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro described meeting the prince as a “mission accomplished.”
Basak Barangay Captain Jasmine Chan also shared photos with Mateen, humorously asking, “Why so handsome, Prince Abdul Mateen?”
The prince accompanied the Sultan during the summit and related meetings, where Asean leaders discussed regional issues and cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
