The incredible life of Brunei's super-rich Prince, who flies choppers, chills with tiger cubs, and plays polo (2025)

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This is 26-year-old Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei, a tiny Asian nation on the island of Borneo which is surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea. He was born on August 10, 1991 to His MajestySultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei, and his second wife,Puan Hjh Maryam. The couple divorced in 2003. He is one of five sons and seven daughters — the 10th child — born to the Sultan, who has an estimated net worth of $20 billion. He lives a pretty incredible life, full of chilling in palatial-looking places... ...including a bedroom fit for a royal (complete with what looks like a leopard cub)... ...wearing insanely expensive watches... ...and often being surrounded by some pretty nice cars. He often appears with exotic and expensive-looking animals, including tiger cubs, and reportedly calls himself the "father of tigers." Here he is with a miniature horse... ...and a very fluffy cat. He appears to spend a lot of time travelling, too, whether it's cruising the Mediterranean... ...exploring the dessert... ...hanging on tropical islands... ...or riding a horse in the sea. Mateen is pretty familiar with the UK, too. Now a lieutenant in the Brunei army, he graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2011, which he called "the greatest thing he's ever done." He told GQ Thailand that he entered Sandhurst when he was 18, and was one of the youngest candidates. He said the most gruelling thing he did at Sandhurst was a digging exercise. He later graduated from the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) where he earneda Master's Degree in Arts. He got to take a few above-average"weekend getways" while living in the UK. He's also a Manchester United fan, and played a lot of football growing up. "Honestly growing up I was a big football fan and David Beckham was my biggest idol, even till today I think he’s a pretty incredible guy," he told GQ. His love of sport and athletics knows no bounds. He found a passion for boxing after hiring a trainer during his time in London, and is interested in getting into mixed martial arts, especially Muay Thai. You can watch Mateen — who has said he's a big fan of UFC fighter Conor McGregor — practice his fighting here. He's a keen polo player, and represented Brunei at the South East Asian Games held in Malaysia this year. He competed with his sister, Princess 'Azemah Ni'matul Bolkiah. He told GQ Thailand: "Unlike any other sport where you have complete control over where you want to be, or go, commanding a wild animal to do what you want it to do is in itself very difficult." "I was in the military, so anything that keeps me fit and going makes me happy," he told GQ. "The moment I feel my fitness level dropping, it makes me feel funny, so being active and staying in shape is very important to me." Staying active involves golfing... ...skiing... ...diving... ...rowing, which he's shown doing here with his father... ...and even bungee jumping. Still, he allows himself a cheat day now and then, and favours spicy food... ...and despite claiming to be a bad cook, seems to know how to man a grill. He's also a keen flyer, which isn't surprising since his father flies his own plane and owns a helicopter. You can watch him fly here. He's musical, too. He used to play the drums, and now plays "a bit of guitar." Somehow, he claims that when he's not doing sports or his royal or military duties, he's a "simple guy" who likes to spend his free time "with my close friends chilling and watching movies." However, he said his family are the most important influence in his life, pictured here together at Brunei's Golden Jubilee. "I have a really big family, but I’m closest to my elder brother and two sisters," he told GQ. "We do everything together, grew up together, and live together." "I mean, I have my friends, but you can’t go away from family, they are blood and we are very close," he added. "And their love and support has been a very positive influence in my life." His Instagram would suggest he also has a close relationship with his father. His royal duties involve representing his father all over the world. He attends military functions in uniform, wears a suit for state activities, and has some other incredible outfits for banquets, like this one. In an Instagram post he said he's "always backing Brunei." He's involved in various charities, and attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta and spoke about terrorism in 2015, according to The Daily Mail. And now, he's known for more than his politics. His GQ interview at the age of 24 made him "blow up" on Instagram. He now has 733,000 followers, and says social media is a great way to "show your interest, your passions and hobbies, and where you come from." "I think if you're born into it, being in the spotlight constantly since you were young, you become used to it, and it doesn’t really get into your head and so it doesn’t bother me," he added.

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Alison Millington

2017-12-14T07:00:00Z

There are many things we don't know about the Asian country of Brunei, a tiny nation on the island of Borneo — but one thing we do know is it has a Prince not shy of flashing his wealth.

At the age of 26, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen shares photos of his insane life and adventures with his 733,000 followers on Instagram, where he is known simply as "Mateen."

The incredible life of Brunei's super-rich Prince, who flies choppers, chills with tiger cubs, and plays polo (1)

He is one of five sons and seven daughters born to Brunei's ruler, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, according to Elite Daily.

With a father who has an estimated net worth of $20 billion (£15 billion), his lifestyle is pretty lavish. He plays a lot of polo, flies private planes, and appears to spend a lot of time on stunning beaches or cuddling wild animals.

However, when GQ Thailand interviewed the prince at the age of 24, they called him "a grounded man who doesn’t like to flaunt his family’s wealth," and is "more interested in the simple life, his passions, time with family and friends, and his other noble pursuits."

Scroll down for a look at the insane life ofBrunei's super-rich, 26-year-old Instagram-famous Prince Mateen, who GQ named as "one of Asia’s most eligible blue-blood bachelors."

This is 26-year-old Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei, a tiny Asian nation on the island of Borneo which is surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea.

All buckled up for the a.m

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Jul 14, 2017 at 8:50pm PDTJul 14, 2017 at 8:50pm PDT

He was born on August 10, 1991 to His MajestySultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei, and his second wife,Puan Hjh Maryam. The couple divorced in 2003.

Original Gaucho #wildwildeast

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Oct 19, 2017 at 2:28am PDTOct 19, 2017 at 2:28am PDT

He is one of five sons and seven daughters — the 10th child — born to the Sultan, who has an estimated net worth of $20 billion.

Was way too cool for belts back then 👓

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Nov 23, 2017 at 8:44am PSTNov 23, 2017 at 8:44am PST

Source: Elite Daily.

He lives a pretty incredible life, full of chilling in palatial-looking places...

Sunday morning

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Jul 9, 2016 at 7:33pm PDTJul 9, 2016 at 7:33pm PDT

...including a bedroom fit for a royal (complete with what looks like a leopard cub)...

King triton

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Jun 21, 2015 at 9:34pm PDTJun 21, 2015 at 9:34pm PDT

...wearing insanely expensive watches...

5270g 🙌 #patekphilippe

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Jan 20, 2014 at 4:57am PSTJan 20, 2014 at 4:57am PST

...and often being surrounded by some pretty nice cars.

Beautiful beast #f12 #berlinetta #ferrari

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Mar 6, 2014 at 12:21am PSTMar 6, 2014 at 12:21am PST

He often appears with exotic and expensive-looking animals, including tiger cubs, and reportedly calls himself the "father of tigers."

Baby's day out 🐯

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Aug 29, 2016 at 11:09pm PDTAug 29, 2016 at 11:09pm PDT

Source: The Daily Mail.

Here he is with a miniature horse...

Miniature 🐴

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on May 22, 2016 at 10:41am PDTMay 22, 2016 at 10:41am PDT

...and a very fluffy cat.

Chilling with this loaf of bread on me

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Aug 26, 2015 at 6:12am PDTAug 26, 2015 at 6:12am PDT

He appears to spend a lot of time travelling, too, whether it's cruising the Mediterranean...

Time off the saddle cruising along the Mediterranean Sea ☀️

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Aug 8, 2017 at 6:59am PDTAug 8, 2017 at 6:59am PDT

...exploring the dessert...

Marhab

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Nov 5, 2015 at 9:24am PSTNov 5, 2015 at 9:24am PST

...hanging on tropical islands...

Island vibes 🌴🌴 🇧🇳

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Sep 24, 2017 at 4:07am PDTSep 24, 2017 at 4:07am PDT

...or riding a horse in the sea.

Not a bad way to end the day

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Feb 23, 2016 at 2:29am PSTFeb 23, 2016 at 2:29am PST

Mateen is pretty familiar with the UK, too. Now a lieutenant in the Brunei army, he graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2011, which he called "the greatest thing he's ever done."

Trying to contain that Friday feeling 🌚 happy 🍟day all

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Dec 1, 2017 at 3:08am PSTDec 1, 2017 at 3:08am PST

Sources: Mashable and GQ.

He told GQ Thailand that he entered Sandhurst when he was 18, and was one of the youngest candidates.

With the beast #hawk#redarrows

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Apr 25, 2017 at 9:41am PDTApr 25, 2017 at 9:41am PDT

"Sandhurst is basically a 44-week gruelling course of leadership, mental strength and physical strength basically testing your ability to function under extreme pressure," he said.

Source: GQ Thailand.

He said the most gruelling thing he did at Sandhurst was a digging exercise.

Straight out of Telford

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Nov 7, 2017 at 4:08am PSTNov 7, 2017 at 4:08am PST

"We had to dig trenches for three days straight non-stop with no sleep, and every time I started to fall asleep, the instructors would kick me and wake me up – because that’s what they are trying to do, physically exhaust you to your limit," he told GQ. "At the end of it, having been physically exhausted beyond my limit, they would make us think, and solve problems – and that was one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to do."

He later graduated from the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) where he earneda Master's Degree in Arts.

Face of a master #SOAS

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Jul 27, 2016 at 5:13am PDTJul 27, 2016 at 5:13am PDT

Source: Mashable.

He got to take a few above-average"weekend getways" while living in the UK.

Weekend getaway 🍃

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Oct 30, 2016 at 6:39am PDTOct 30, 2016 at 6:39am PDT

He's also a Manchester United fan, and played a lot of football growing up. "Honestly growing up I was a big football fan and David Beckham was my biggest idol, even till today I think he’s a pretty incredible guy," he told GQ.

👹 #ggmu

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on May 21, 2016 at 9:16am PDTMay 21, 2016 at 9:16am PDT

He played for the Bruneian football team AM Gunners, according to The Culture Trip.

His love of sport and athletics knows no bounds. He found a passion for boxing after hiring a trainer during his time in London, and is interested in getting into mixed martial arts, especially Muay Thai.

Get your morning reps in 💧

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Sep 27, 2017 at 10:02pm PDTSep 27, 2017 at 10:02pm PDT

Source: GQ Thailand.

You can watch Mateen — who has said he's a big fan of UFC fighter Conor McGregor — practice his fighting here.

💦 my Sunday afternoon blues away

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Oct 22, 2017 at 8:22am PDTOct 22, 2017 at 8:22am PDT

He's a keen polo player, and represented Brunei at the South East Asian Games held in Malaysia this year.

Chilli the machine 🌶

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Sep 4, 2017 at 4:53pm PDTSep 4, 2017 at 4:53pm PDT

Source: The Culture Trip.

He competed with his sister, Princess 'Azemah Ni'matul Bolkiah.

Happy birthday to my sister! Had the best time with you this summer and I'm already looking forward to the next one! Lots of love always ♥️

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Sep 25, 2017 at 10:10pm PDTSep 25, 2017 at 10:10pm PDT

He told GQ Thailand: "Unlike any other sport where you have complete control over where you want to be, or go, commanding a wild animal to do what you want it to do is in itself very difficult."

You don't always get what you wish for, but you get what you work for 👊🏽 couldn't have done it without our supporters! Thank you all. We are bringing something back for you Brunei 🇧🇳 ✊🏾#ANIMAL

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Aug 28, 2017 at 6:13am PDTAug 28, 2017 at 6:13am PDT

"Now imagine doing that with one hand, and at the same time, trying to hit a ball with a mallet in your other hand," he added. "There’s so many things going on, and you really have to multitask and have perfect control of not only your own body, but also the horse a well. It’s such a complex sport and the challenge of having that kind of control is also what I love about Polo."

"I was in the military, so anything that keeps me fit and going makes me happy," he told GQ. "The moment I feel my fitness level dropping, it makes me feel funny, so being active and staying in shape is very important to me." Staying active involves golfing...

Valderrama hole 1 ⛳️

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Jul 30, 2017 at 3:43am PDTJul 30, 2017 at 3:43am PDT

...skiing...

Made it to the top ✌🏾

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Dec 20, 2016 at 10:28am PSTDec 20, 2016 at 10:28am PST

...diving...

Lazy Thursday

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Apr 21, 2016 at 12:08am PDTApr 21, 2016 at 12:08am PDT

...rowing, which he's shown doing here with his father...

We don't row, row, row our boat gently down the stream 😏 Happy Father's Day, lots of love always

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Jun 18, 2017 at 2:49am PDTJun 18, 2017 at 2:49am PDT

...and even bungee jumping.

Some days you just want to fly

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Dec 19, 2016 at 9:29am PSTDec 19, 2016 at 9:29am PST

Still, he allows himself a cheat day now and then, and favours spicy food...

Best fries hands down #sundaycheatday @thepotatohabit

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Mar 26, 2017 at 9:06am PDTMar 26, 2017 at 9:06am PDT

...and despite claiming to be a bad cook, seems to know how to man a grill.

Get your grills out ☀️

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Apr 8, 2017 at 5:21am PDTApr 8, 2017 at 5:21am PDT

He's also a keen flyer, which isn't surprising since his father flies his own plane and owns a helicopter.

I have control.. ish 🚁

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Jun 20, 2017 at 9:27am PDTJun 20, 2017 at 9:27am PDT

Source: Elite Daily.

You can watch him fly here.

Nothing like flying over home sweet home, literally 🚁🇧🇳 #tb

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Nov 26, 2017 at 3:47pm PSTNov 26, 2017 at 3:47pm PST

He's musical, too. He used to play the drums, and now plays "a bit of guitar."

A minor #noob

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Apr 2, 2017 at 3:39am PDTApr 2, 2017 at 3:39am PDT

Source: GQ Thailand.

Somehow, he claims that when he's not doing sports or his royal or military duties, he's a "simple guy" who likes to spend his free time "with my close friends chilling and watching movies."

Sundaze

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Sep 3, 2017 at 1:57am PDTSep 3, 2017 at 1:57am PDT

He told GQ his three closest friends Soon, Danny, and Prawan "are my pack and they are another important factor in keeping me grounded."

However, he said his family are the most important influence in his life, pictured here together at Brunei's Golden Jubilee.

50 years at the helm of Brunei. Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik 🙏🏽 thank you and lots of love #goldenjubilee

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Oct 5, 2017 at 3:58am PDTOct 5, 2017 at 3:58am PDT

"I have a really big family, but I’m closest to my elder brother and two sisters," he told GQ. "We do everything together, grew up together, and live together."

Happy birthday to my brother! Lots of love coming your way

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Jul 28, 2017 at 3:26pm PDTJul 28, 2017 at 3:26pm PDT

"I mean, I have my friends, but you can’t go away from family, they are blood and we are very close," he added. "And their love and support has been a very positive influence in my life."

Happy birthday to my beautiful madre! Wish I could be back home to celebrate it with you but this picture of my big head with you will do for now 😄 love and miss you always..

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Jan 28, 2017 at 8:10am PSTJan 28, 2017 at 8:10am PST

His Instagram would suggest he also has a close relationship with his father.

Nanning📍#caexpo2017

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Sep 11, 2017 at 7:15am PDTSep 11, 2017 at 7:15am PDT

His royal duties involve representing his father all over the world.

Happy birthday dad, lots of love always #15july

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Jul 14, 2017 at 2:11pm PDTJul 14, 2017 at 2:11pm PDT

He attends military functions in uniform, wears a suit for state activities, and has some other incredible outfits for banquets, like this one.

Banquet ⚜️

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Oct 6, 2017 at 10:08am PDTOct 6, 2017 at 10:08am PDT

Source: Town & Country.

In an Instagram post he said he's "always backing Brunei." He's involved in various charities, and attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta and spoke about terrorism in 2015, according to The Daily Mail.

Always backing Brunei - Happy 33rd National Day 🇧🇳

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Feb 22, 2017 at 2:56pm PSTFeb 22, 2017 at 2:56pm PST

He reportedly urged governments "to tackle the root causes, as well as share intelligence and information on best practice."

And now, he's known for more than his politics. His GQ interview at the age of 24 made him "blow up" on Instagram. He now has 733,000 followers, and says social media is a great way to "show your interest, your passions and hobbies, and where you come from."

If you want to know how tech geeks put their money into politics... Definitely buy this Issue 😉

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Mar 28, 2016 at 6:35pm PDTMar 28, 2016 at 6:35pm PDT

"Of course, all I want to do with social media... is to show how beautiful Brunei is and what my passions are," he told GQ. "Brunei may be a small country but it’s a beautiful country with many things to do during the day."

"I think if you're born into it, being in the spotlight constantly since you were young, you become used to it, and it doesn’t really get into your head and so it doesn’t bother me," he added.

Honoured to be part of this historic event with you all #goldenjubilee

A post shared by Mateen (@tmski) on Oct 5, 2017 at 4:12am PDTOct 5, 2017 at 4:12am PDT

"Maybe it’s a good thing as well, because if you become the center of attention all of sudden, it really gets to your head, and then it becomes hard to remain grounded, or humble.”