AMMAN: Jordan’s Crown Prince, Hussein bin Abdullah II, officially married Saudi citizen Rajwa Al-Saif on Thursday in an opulent royal wedding ceremony held at Zahran Palace in Amman. The 28-year-old crown prince, who is set to ascend the throne, exchanged vows with the 29-year-old Rajwa, who will hold the title of queen once he assumes his royal duties.
The splendid religious ceremony took place at Zahran Palace, the same venue where the crown prince’s parents exchanged their marital vows back in 1993. The bride looked resplendent in a customized Elie Saab gown, while her mother-in-law, Queen Rania, donned a Dior ensemble.
The royal wedding was attended by approximately 140 guests, including dignitaries and royalty from around the world. Among the distinguished attendees were the UK’s Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate Middleton, US First Lady Jill Biden, Qatar’s Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the King and Queen of Malaysia, and the King and Queen of The Netherlands.
The wedding ceremony was officiated by Royal Hashemite Court Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Khalaileh, during which the royal couple signed the marriage contract. The bride was escorted by the crown prince’s younger brother, Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II, and Princess Salma bint Abdullah II.
Jordan: Reception Party for the Couple
After the ceremony, the couple departed for the reception party in a custom 1984 Range Rover. Their arrival was announced by the Jordan Armed Forces Musical Band, which performed throughout the event. The reception featured various local and regional singers, a choir group, Jordanian bands, the national orchestra, and folk dance troupes.
To conclude the festivities, the newlyweds cut their wedding cake, symbolizing the joyous beginning of their married life. Notable guests at the reception included King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of The Netherlands, as well as King Philippe and Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, and Danish Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary.
The highly anticipated royal nuptials were met with jubilant celebrations across Jordan, with thousands of people gathering in the streets of Amman, adorned with pictures of the couple and festive banners. A royal red motorcade, reserved for special occasions, traversed the capital to honor the bride and groom.
King Abdullah II, aged 61 and reigning since 1999, has long prepared his eldest son to succeed him, involving him in important visits and meetings. In 2009, Prince Hussein became the heir to the throne when his father stripped the title from his half-brother, Hamzah. In 2021, Hamzah was placed under house arrest after being accused of plotting a royal coup, causing significant upheaval within the royal establishment.