Brunei celebrated Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s 80th birthday with a grand parade before conferring state honours on distinguished citizens at the palace.
Brunei on Wednesday celebrated the 80th birthday of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah with a grand ceremonial parade in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, bringing together state dignitaries, military personnel and citizens in a display of national unity and tradition.
The celebrations drew state dignitaries, grassroots leaders and other distinguished guests, all dressed in traditional attire, as they gathered to honour the monarch’s milestone birthday.
During the ceremony, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah inspected personnel from the Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force, Royal Brunei Police Force, as well as members of uniformed government departments and various national associations.
The ceremonial parade highlighted Brunei’s military and security institutions, with marching contingents participating in the event before the Sultan and invited guests.
Following the parade, the celebrations moved to Istana Nurul Iman, the royal palace, where the Sultan presided over an investiture ceremony.
At the palace, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah conferred state honours and decorations on individuals in recognition of their distinguished service and significant contributions to the nation.
The investiture ceremony formed part of the official birthday celebrations, underscoring Brunei’s tradition of recognising outstanding public service and national achievement during the monarch’s annual birthday observances.
The celebrations concluded with the presentation of honours at the royal palace, marking another milestone in the reign of one of the world’s longest-serving monarchs.