HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, on Wednesday attended the graduation ceremony of His Royal Highness Captain Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
The ceremony was held at the RAF Shawbury, United Kingdom.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim, Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah.
Upon arrival at the RAF Shawbury, His Majesty was welcomed by Sir Algernon Heber Percy, Lord Liuetenant of Shropshire; Air Marshal Sean Reynolds, Deputy Commander Capability and Air Member for Personnel and Capability; Air Vice-Marshal Warren James, Air Officer Commanding 22 Group; Air Commodore David Bentley, Director of Flying Training; and Group Captain RS Norris, Station Commander, RAF Shawbury.
His Majesty then proceeded to the lobby of the Officers’ Mess of the RAF Shawbury to sign the guest book following which the monarch was invited to the Library Room for light refreshments and a briefing about the graduation ceremony by Group Captain RS Norris.
His Majesty later proceeded to Hanger 2 for the Certificate and RAF Wing Badge presentation ceremony.
The ceremony began with His Majesty receiving the salute from the static guard of honour and colour guard. The monarch was subsequently invited to inspect the static guards and colour guard.
This was followed by a welcome speech by Group Captain RS Norris.
The ceremony continued with a blessing to the RAF Wing badges that will be presented.
His Majesty then presented the RAF Wing Badge and Certificate to His Royal Highness Captain Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
His Majesty also presented certificates and RAF Wing badges to the course participants comprising six Single Engine Rotary Wing participants including His Royal Highness Captain Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; two Joint Aircrewmen; eight Multi-Engine Rotary Wing Series 167 participants; and 11 Multi-Engine Rotary Wing Series 169 participants.
The ceremony continued with a speech by Air Vice-Marshal Warren James.
His Majesty was then invited to view the exhibition of latest helicopter models which will be used for the next course series as well as a flypast demonstration.
Before leaving the ceremony, His Majesty joined His Royal Highness Captain Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and other course participants for a group photo.
At midday, the monarch was invited to the dining hall of the Officers’ Mess of the RAF Shawbury to attend a luncheon.
Prior to that, course participants and families had the opportunity to mingle with His Majesty at the Ante Room, Officers’ Mess of the RAF Shawbury.
The event began with a welcoming speech by Wing Commander Holly Steel, Commanding Officer of the Defence Helicopter Flying School.
During the luncheon, officers and attendees offered a toast to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, followed by the national anthems of both the United Kingdom and Brunei Darussalam. Afterwards, His Majesty presented awards to the best course participants.
The monarch, as the Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, also presented the Ministry of Defence plaque to Group Captain RS Norris.
The luncheon concluded with a speech by Air Marshal Sean Reynolds.
The post Sultan graces graduation ceremony of Prince Mateen appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.