The future Queen Saleha of Brunei was born as Hajah Saleha binti Haji Mohamed Alam as the daughter of Pengiran Anak Mohammad Alam and Pengiran Anak Hajah Besar – Pengiran being a hereditary title for those who are related by blood to the Royal family. Saleha’s grandfather was the younger brother of the 26th Sultan of Brunei. Saleha was born on 7 October 1946 in Brunei Town, now known as Bandar Seri Begawan – the capital city of the Sultanate of Brunei.
On 28 July 1965, Saleha married Pengiran Muda Mahkota (Crown Prince) Hassanal Bolkiah, who was also her paternal first cousin. Her father-in-law abdicated on 5 October 1967 and her husband became the 29th Sultan of Brunei and she the Raja Isteri (or queen consort) of Brunei. Saleha and her husband have two sons and four daughters: Princess Rashidah (born 26 July 1969), Princess Muta-Wakkilah (born 12 October 1971), Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah (born 17 February 1974), Princess Majeedah (born 16 March 1976), Princess Hafizah (born 12 March 1980) and Prince Abdul Malik (born 30 June 1983). Saleha also has 17 grandchildren.
Her husband was also married to Azrinaz Mazhar from 2005 until their divorce in 2010. They have two children together. He was also married to Hajah Mariam between 1982 and their divorce in 2003. They had four children together. Her husband is currently the second-longest reigning current monarch after Queen Elizabeth II.
Saleha is the Patron to various organisations including the Women’s Institute, the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam, the Brunei Government Senior Officers Wives Welfare Association, the Women’s Council of Brunei Darussalam, The Women Graduates’ Association, and the Brunei Shell Women Association.
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