Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif’s royal wedding extravaganza: Queen Rania of Jordan’s son wed his Saudi Arabian bride with Kate Middleton, Prince William, Jill Biden and Asian royals in attendance
- In one of the most historic moments in Jordanian history, the future King of Jordan married Saudi Arabian architect Rajwa Al Saif on June 1 in a traditional Islamic ceremony
- The lavish event boasted international royal guests from Britain, Bhutan, Japan and Belgium; Queen Rania stunned in Dior; and the newlyweds rode Queen Elizabeth’s customised Range Rover
For the first time in almost 30 years, a future King of Jordan got married in front of millions across the world. The wedding not only holds historic significance for the region, it has also renewed the monarch’s image after a royal public feud.
Known as the Hashemites, the Jordanian royal family have ruled Jordan since 1921. They hail from the House of Hashem, which ruled Mecca from as early as the 10th century.
Here’s absolutely everything you need to know about the big Arab wedding everybody is talking about …
Hussein and Rajwa’s Islamic wedding ceremony
Hussein and Al Saif were married in an Islamic ceremony known as katb ktab. The event, held at Zahran Palace, was attended by around 140 guests. According to custom, it began with King Abdullah II and Queen Rania welcoming guests.
The Jordanian Armed Forces Musical Band performed during the arrival of high-profile dignitaries. After Hussein joined guests at a gazebo in the palace garden, Al Saif, who was escorted by the prince’s younger brother Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II and younger sister Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, entered the gazebo.
The gazebo’s arched walls and carved stone columns reflect the Islamic styles seen at the palace. The decor included simple greenery and seasonal plants, showcasing the Jordanian ecosystem.
