Mariam Abdul Aziz

2.1. Childhood and Family

Born in Brunei Town (now Bandar Seri Begawan) on January 29, 1956, Mariam binti Abdul Aziz came from a mixed ethnic background. Her mother, Rashidah Saleh, was Bruneian, while her father, Jimmy Bell, was born to a Scottish father and a Japanese mother. Jimmy Bell served as a government official in Brunei and converted to Islam, adopting the name Abdul Aziz. As the fourth child in her family, Mariam's heritage is half Bruneian, a quarter English or Scottish, and a quarter Japanese. Her siblings include Pehin Dato Mohd Jaafar and Dato Mohd Samid.

2.2. Education and Early Career

Mariam attended Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College in Brunei Town. During her school years, she was reportedly sympathetic to the outlawed Parti Rakyat Brunei (PRB). Before her marriage to the Sultan, she worked as a stewardess for Royal Brunei Airlines. It was during this period that she met Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who was reportedly captivated by her unique and exotic appearance.

3.1. Marriage to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

Mariam became the second wife of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in a private ceremony held on October 28, 1981. Initially, her marriage faced strong disapproval from the Sultan's father, Omar Ali Saifuddien III, primarily due to Mariam's status as a commoner with mixed heritage, not of pure Malay descent. However, by March or April 1987, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III reconciled with and began to accept her as his daughter-in-law.

3.2. Children

Mariam had four children with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah:

• Prince Abdul Azim (born July 29, 1982 - died October 24, 2020)
• Princess Azemah Ni'matul Bolkiah (born September 26, 1984)
• Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah (born August 23, 1985)
• Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei (born August 10, 1991)

She also has an adopted daughter named Afifa Abdullah.

3.3. Royal Role and Influence

During her marriage, Mariam and her family resided in Istana Nurul Izzah, a palace constructed specifically for her by the Sultan at an estimated cost of 120.00 M USD. Although officially ranking second to Queen Saleha, Mariam was often perceived as holding greater influence within the royal household. The Sultan reportedly spent most of his time with her, both at home and during official and unofficial trips abroad. There were also rumors that she was leveraging her status to promote her son, Abdul Azim, as the potential heir apparent to the throne. Mariam also held an official military role as the colonel-in-chief of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment (RBMR) Women's Company (Kompeni Askar Wanita^Malay), which was established in 1981.

4.1. Divorce

After meeting in 1980, Mariam's marriage to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ended in February 2003. The divorce was officially announced on state television on February 2, 2003, by Prince Sufri Bolkiah, the Sultan's brother, in accordance with Brunei's Sharia Islamic law. Following the royal announcement, numerous images of Mariam displayed alongside photographs of the Sultan and his first wife were promptly removed from government and commercial establishments. Although the monarch had a 100-day period to reconsider without requiring new marriage vows, no official explanation for the divorce was provided. Despite retaining considerable wealth, Mariam reportedly found herself unhappy and struggled to adjust to her newfound independent life. Justice Underhill, a former judge, observed that the image of a "generous and trusting" woman was "replaced by loneliness and a craving for friendship."

4.2. Jewellery Lawsuit

Following her divorce, Mariam Aziz became embroiled in legal disputes concerning stolen jewelry. She filed two lawsuits in London, accusing Fatimah Kumin Lim of theft. The court concluded that the accused had illegally sold two diamonds and other jewelry valued at approximately 12.50 M GBP. The thief is reportedly residing in Singapore, and Mariam is actively pursuing compensation for the stolen items. During court proceedings, Mariam testified that she had entrusted a diamond bracelet to one of her bodyguards for safekeeping during a night out in 2008, and had not seen it since. Mariam currently resides in London, United Kingdom.

5.1. Charitable Activities and Patronage

Mariam serves as the patron of Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, a non-profit, charitable organization committed to providing high-quality training, rehabilitation, and educational opportunities for people with special needs. She founded the center with the explicit aim of improving the lives of individuals with impairments. In addition to her patronage of Pusat Ehsan, Mariam has participated in broader community welfare initiatives. On May 8, 2002, she joined Princess Masna Bolkiah in a mass charity tai chi exercise. This event, hosted by the Brunei Business Women's Association, took place at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

6.1. National Honours

Upon her divorce in 2003, Mariam's national awards were revoked. However, as of 2022, she continues to hold the title of Datin Paduka Seri. She was awarded the following national honours:

Royal Family Order of the Crown of Brunei (DKMB; April 11, 1987)

Most Exalted Order of Famous Valour First Class (DPKT; November 29, 1996) - which conferred the title Datin Paduka Seri

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal (PHBS; August 1, 1968)

Sultan of Brunei Silver Jubilee Medal (October 5, 1992)

Proclamation of Independence Medal (January 1, 1984)

6.2. Foreign Honours

Mariam binti Abdul Aziz has also received honours from several foreign countries:

• Jordan**:

  • 

  Supreme Order of the Renaissance Grand Cordon (December 19, 1984)

  • Malaysia**:

    • 

    Malaysian Service Medal (PJM; April 11, 1987)

    • 

    Royal Family Order of Kelantan (DK; March 7, 1999)

    • 

    Royal Family Order of Johor First Class (DK I; March 6, 1997)

    • 

    Order of the Crown of Johor Knight Grand Commander (SPMJ; April 11, 1987) - which conferred the title Datin Paduka

    • 

    Order of the Star of the Hornbill of Sarawak Knight Commander (DA) - which conferred the title Datuk Amar

    • South Korea**:

      • 

      Grand Order of Mugunghwa (April 6, 1984)

      • Egypt**:

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        Order of the Virtues Supreme Class (December 17, 1984)

        • Thailand**:

          • 

          Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Chula Chom Klao (DGC; August 26, 2002)

7.1. Institutions Named After Her

Several significant institutions in Brunei have been named after Mariam binti Abdul Aziz, reflecting her impact and recognition:

• Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Hospital (PIHM Hospital)**: Located in Bangar town in the Temburong District, this hospital is the fourth-largest district hospital in the nation, serving the local community.
• Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Secondary School (SMPIHM)**: This educational institution is situated in Kampong Serasa.
• Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque**: A place of worship located in Kampong Jerudong.