**Prince Mateen of Brunei Celebrates the Arrival of His Daughter Princess Zahra**
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Prince Mateen of Brunei has joyfully announced the arrival of his first child, a daughter named Princess Zahra, born in February this year. The celebration of this new addition to his family drew notable reactions on social media, particularly from fellow royal family member, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, the husband of Princess Beatrice.
On 12 March, Mateen shared an endearing photograph on Instagram, showcasing himself in his military uniform, tenderly cradling his newborn daughter, who was snugly wrapped in a pink blanket. While the post did not feature a caption, a flurry of supportive messages filled the comments section. Among them, Edoardo left a simple yet heartfelt comment, sharing a red heart emoji, highlighting a camaraderie among royal fathers.
This is not the first instance of interaction between the two princes on social media. Previously, when Prince Mateen posted a family photo featuring his wife, Princess Anisha, and their newborn daughter, Edoardo extended his congratulations, writing: “Congratulations Mateen and Anisha. Zahra ❤️.”
Princess Beatrice, the daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson and granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II, married Edoardo in a modest ceremony in Windsor back in 2020. The couple recently welcomed their second child, a daughter named Athena Elizabeth Rose, in January 2025, adding to their family that includes another daughter, Sienna Elizabeth, born in September 2021. Beatrice also embraces her role as a stepmother to Christopher “Wolfie” Woolf, whom Edoardo shares with ex-partner Dara Huang, a position she expressed pride in, calling it a “great honour.”
Prince Mateen, who is 34 years old and the son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his former wife, Mariam binti Abdul Aziz, became a father for the first time this February. The news of Princess Zahra’s birth was initially reported by the Bruneian media outlet, RTB News. Their official announcement conveyed congratulations from the Sultanate, marking the occasion with customary cannon fire to celebrate the momentous event.
The statement from RTB News included a formal proclamation from the Sultan, detailing that Princess Anisha safely delivered her daughter on 8 February 2026, according to both the Gregorian and Islamic calendars. Following the birth, Prince Mateen took to Instagram again to reveal the name of his daughter. “Zahra Mariam Bolkiah ♥️,” he expressed, acknowledging the exceptional care provided by the medical team at the Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) and thanking well-wishers for their kind messages.
While Prince Mateen is placed fifth in the line of succession to the Bruneian throne, Princess Zahra will not be included in this line due to the country’s constitutional stipulations, which limit royal succession to Islamic males only. This fact reflects the unique traditions that govern royal lineage in Brunei.
Together with his wife, the Prince has articulated their immense gratitude during this exciting chapter of their lives. As Mateen embarks on his journey into fatherhood, he joins other royal fathers in celebrating the joys and challenges that accompany the arrival of a new child.
As interest in royal affairs remains high, the stories surrounding the lives of figures such as Prince Mateen and his family continue to captivate audiences. This latest announcement not only adds to the family legacy but also reinforces the connections between royals across different nations, showcasing shared experiences and emotional support within these circles.
As public interest surrounds the Bruneian royal family and their latest addition, followers and enthusiasts will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on updates from Prince Mateen and Princess Anisha as they navigate the early days of parenthood.