UPDATED, June 1st 2023: Jordan’s Crown Prince His Royal Highness, Hussein bin Abdullah II and Saudi national Rajwa Al Saif have finally tied the knot after months of anticipation. The religious ceremony first took place at Zahran Palace in Amman at 4 pm local time, which is the same location that the Crown Prince’s parents, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania tied the knot in 1993. The reception, which was held at Al-Husseiniya Palace, was attended by international heads of state and as well as other members of the Jordanian royal family, including the Crown Prince’s younger sister, Her Royal Highness Princess Iman and her new husband, Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, whose royal wedding took place earlier this year at Beit Al Urdun in Amman, Jordan. Scroll to read more about HRH Prince Hussein’s wedding to Rajwa Al Saif.
The festivities will kick off on May 31st, with a dinner hosted by His Majesty King Abdullah II, attended by over 4,000 Jordanians. This grand event will take place at ‘Madareb Bani Hashem’ in the Royal Hashemite Court, where guests will be treated to Mansaf, a traditional Jordanian dish.
On May 22, Her Majesty Queen Rania hosted a Henna and dinner party, which drew over 500 women from all corners of the Kingdom. The gathering featured performances by local singers, musicians, and folk dance groups. Henna artists applied intricate designs to the guests’ hands, in line with a pre-wedding tradition that brings blessings to the couple’s union, according to Middle Eastern customs.
The wedding day, June 1, will witness the convergence of local, regional, and global figures, creating a distinctively Jordanian royal event. The day has been declared a national holiday for all 12 governorates of Jordan.
The Islamic wedding ceremony will take place at Zahran Palace, where the Crown Prince and Rajwa Al Saif will be joined in an Islamic marriage ceremony known as a “katb ktab.” The guest list comprises around 140 attendees, including members of the Royal Hashemite family, invited royals, and heads of state. Zahran Palace holds particular significance as it is the same location where King Abdullah and Queen Rania exchanged vows.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds will embark on the Red Motorcade, traveling from Zahran Palace to Al Husseiniya Palace. This journey will be accompanied by a lively musical procession called a Zaffeh, featuring drums, bagpipes, singing, and clapping, to announce their arrival.
Upon reaching Al Husseiniya Palace, the couple will pass through an honorary Arch of Sabers, immersed in a traditional Jordanian Zaffeh. They will then be joined by King Abdullah II and Queen Rania as well as the bride’s parents, to welcome over 1,700 guests.
The evening will unfold with captivating performances by local and regional singers, a choir group, Jordanian bands, the national orchestra and folk dance troupes, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of Jordan. The festivities will culminate in the bride and groom cutting the wedding cake.
Following the main reception, a wedding banquet will take place at Al Husseiniya Palace, attended by members of the Royal Hashemite Family, foreign and Arab heads of states, and high-ranking officials. This banquet will combine the formalities and diplomatic aspects of a state event with the joyous celebration and traditions of a wedding ceremony, creating an unforgettable experience for all involved.
For more rolling coverage on the royal wedding, click here.
