Brunei’s Prince Mateen, newlywed wife: From childhood playmates to royal couple

Their deep connection, as highlighted by the prince in an Instagram post, is symbolized by a childhood photo of the couple, showing a young Prince Mateen sitting beside Isa-Kalebic, who is holding a milk bottle.

Childhood picture of Prince Mateen of Brunei (L) and his wife, Anisha Rosnah Isa-Kalebic. Photo from Prince Mateen's Instagram

The early relationship between the two seems to hail from the new royal bride’s prestigious background.

Isa-Kalebic, 29, comes from a distinguished family, with her grandfather Pehin Dato Isa having been an advisor to the Sultan of Brunei and a prominent government figure in the 1960s and 1970s.

Her brother, Danial Deen Isa-Kalebic, is known to be a close friend of Prince Mateen.

According to a 2013 Daily Mail article, Danial Deen posted a childhood photo of the trio on the occasion of Prince Mateen's birthday, accompanied by a humorous caption: "Guess the feelings were never mutual haha.. Happy birthday bro!!"

The prince then thanked him lightheartedly.

These images and exchanges underscore the enduring bond between the prince and his wife, enriched by their families’ intertwined histories. The ongoing grand 10-day royal wedding, thus, celebrated not only their union but also their shared past.

Prince Mateen of Brunei (L) and his wife, Anisha Rosnah Isa-Kalebic, celebrating their wedding on Jan. 14, 2024. Photo from Prince Mateen's Instagram

Prince Mateen, 32, a major in the Royal Brunei Air Force and a helicopter pilot, has represented Brunei in polo at the SEA Games in 2017 and 2019.

He was listed among Asia’s top 50 most eligible bachelors by Hong Kong’s Tatler Magazine in 2016.

Anisha Rosnah Isa-Kalebic, a University of Bath alumna, is an entrepreneur managing Silk Collective, a fashion label, and Authentirary, a tourism firm that offers cultural experiences.