Meet Sultan Of Brunei: Owner Of World's Largest Palace, Gold-Plated Jet And Cars Worth USD 5 Billion

The Sultan of Brunei, Haji Hassanal Boljiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, has been sitting on the thrown since 1967, making him the world's longest-reigning monarch alive and the second-longest reigning monarch in the world after Queen Elizabeth II. He also serves his island as the country's Defence Minister, Finance Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister, Trade Minister, and Prime Minister. However, his political stature is not the only thing that makes him the centre of attraction. 

The Sultan is known for his extravagant lifestyle and immense wealth. He is one of the wealthiest men in the world and doesn't shy away from showcasing his wealth. The Sultan is also one of the few remaining absolute monarchs in the world. So, let's take a look at his opulent lifestyle and refined taste for luxury.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's family and marriages

The 78-year-old Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah is the oldest son of Omar Ali Saifuddien III and has three brothers, Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Prince Sufri Bolkiah, and Prince Jefri Bolkiah and six sisters, Princess Masna Bolkiah, Princess Nor'ain Bolkiah, Princess Umi Kalthum Al-Islam Bolkiah, Princess Amal Rakiah Bolkiah, Princess Amal Nasibah Bolkiah, and Princess Amal Jefriah Bolkiah. The Sultan has been married three times since ascending to the throne at the young age of 21. His first wife, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, was his cousin whom he married in 1965. 

While polygamy is legal in the kingdom of Brunei, Saleha remains the Queen Consort of the Sultan despite his other two marriages and divorce. Hassanal Bolkiah married air hostess, Mariam Abdul Aziz in 1981 and TV anchor, Azrinaz Mazhar in 2005. However, their marriages were short-lived, and they got divorced in 2003 and 2010, respectively. The king shares twelve children with his three partners: five sons and seven daughters. Among these, Al-Muhtadee Billah is his heir apparent. 

The royal wedding of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's son, Prince Abdul Mateen

In January 2024, Brunei witnessed the most lavish wedding in the country's history. The wedding brought many eyes to a halt as Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah wed off his and his second wife, Mariam Abdul Aziz's son, Prince Abdul Mateen to Anisha Rosnah. The grand event spanned a 10-day opulent celebration. The joyous occasion was marked by the presence of over 5,000 dignitaries, including world leaders and members of the royal families from Malaysia, Jordan and Bhutan. However, it was nothing new for the odd four lakh citizens of Brunei, as the small Southeast Asian nation has been home to one of the world's wealthiest royals for several years.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's 5 billion US dollar car collection and a gold-plated private jet

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's opulence has not fallen short when it comes to his car collection either. The massive collection has often left everyone shocked, featuring over 600 Rolls-Royces, 450 Ferraris, and 380 Bentleys, along with luxury brands such as Porsche, Lamborghini, Maybach, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and McLaren. The Sultan has a vast collection of over 7,000 cars, some of which have been gold-plated and encrusted with diamonds, as well as featuring state-of-the-art technology.

This extravagant spread has earned the Sultan a place in the Guinness World Records as the owner of the world's largest car collection. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's car collection is valued at a massive 5 billion US dollars. However, that is not all. The Sultan also owns a private jet, which has been plated with gold, and this speaks volumes about his majesty's wealth.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is the owner of the world's largest palace

How can one have a jaw-dropping car collection but fall behind in his residence? You can't! Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is also aware of the same. The Sultan, who is estimated to have a net worth of around 30 billion US dollars, has the largest palace in the world. The king mostly earns from oil and gas reserves and lives the rest of his time in absolute luxury. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's residence, Istana Nurul Iman, has also been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest palace.

The massive estate was built in 1984 and spans over 2 million square feet. Its top dome is adorned with 22-carat gold, and the walls are decorated with gold and diamonds. Talk about luxury! His Majesty's palace comprises 1,700 rooms, 257 bathrooms, 5 swimming pools, and 110 garages. The Istana Nurul Iman also comes at a massive price tag of approx Rs. 2,250 crore.

Michael Jackson performed at Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's 50th birthday

Nonetheless, the riches of the Sultan are not bound to just estate and vehicles. He also displayed his wealth during his 50th birthday celebrations in 1996. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah welcomed over 3,000 guests from around the world and even organised a special private concert by none other than the late music icon, Michael Jackson, also known as the 'King of Pop', in a newly constructed stadium. If the reports are to be believed, the Sultan paid MJ 25.8 million US dollars to perform at three concerts. However, that is not all; the celebration also included a polo match featuring Britain's then-Prince Charles as part of the two-week celebrations.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's rift with his brother, Prince Jefri Bolkiah

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his brother, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, were renowned for their lavish, multi-million-dollar parties during the 1980s and 1990s. However, things turned sour when Prince Jefri's exorbitant spending habits and allegations that he maintained a paid harem of forty women led to a rift with the Sultan. Things went downhill, and the prince was given the nickname of 'Playboy Prince' and was soon exiled from Brunei in the 2000s.

What are your thoughts on the extravagant lifestyle of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah? Let us know.

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