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The Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and his new wife Rawja kicked off their wedding extravagant wedding celebrations by jumping in a customized white open-top Range Rover before tucking into a seven-tier cake.
It was one of the biggest weddings of the season so far, with the ceremony being watched by a star-studded guest list, including the members of the Europe’s royal families, foreign dignitaries and celebrities.
A few miles away in ancient Roman amphitheater, 18,000 royal fans gathered to watch Jordan’s Crown Prince, 28, marry his new wife Rajwa al-Saif, 29, who is a scion of the Saudi Royal Family.
After a few moments of silence, the crowd erupted, waving flags and shrieking with excitement at one of several viewing parties held across the nation. Others gathered on the streets to celebrate the region’s newest royal couple.
Rajwa dazzled in a white gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab, which featured a lengthy train embroidered with flowers, and a sparkling diamond tiara.
Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein, 28, married his new wife Rajwa al-Saif, 29, who is a scion of the Saudi Royal Family, yesterday in front of a star-studded congregation of people from all over the world
Following the beautiful ceremony, the couple were seen cutting into a seven-tier cake
After the service, they waved to thousands of fans who had gathered on the streets of Amman, Jordan as they were driven a custom white Range Rover, followed by seven red Range Rovers
The newly weds pictured happily smiling at one another during their wedding ceremony yesterday
The bride arrived at the Zahran Palace in an impressive 1968 Rolls-Royce Phantom V custom-made for the prince’s late great grandmother. The crown prince arrived earlier in full ceremonial military uniform with a gold-hilted saber.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds emerged in a custom-made Range Rover, escorted by several bright red Land Rovers, motorcycles and a military marching band
King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan proudly watched as their son was wed during an Islamic ceremony known as a ‘katb ktab’ held in a gazebo and conducted by the Royal Hashemite Court Imam Dr Ahmed Al Khalaileh.
Amongst those attending were the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as Princess Beatrice and her husband.
William and Kate, 40 and 41, Beatrice, 34, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 39, appeared overjoyed as they watched the nuptials of Sandhurst graduate Hussein and Saudi Arabian-born architect Rajwa, also 28, in the garden of the Zahran Palace.
The Princess of Wales who lived in Jordan for a short period during her childhood, led the glamorous guests at the event in a blush pink lace dress also by Elie Saab. Beatrice wore a silver sequined gown from British label Needle & Thread for the occasion.
The couple’s guests clapped and cheered as they went to cut their seven-tier cake
The beaming couple were surrounded by a star-studded guest list
The loved up couple celebrated their nuptials late into the evening last night
In a touching nod to Queen Elizabeth, the newly married couple left the wedding for their reception in a 1984 Range Rover which was specially customised for her visit to the country.
This evening, royals from the Netherlands, Liechtenstein and Sweden changed into their ballgowns to attend the wedding reception of the newlyweds at Al Husseiniya Palace.
They included Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander and their eldest daughter Princess Amalia; Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden and Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein.
Ahead of the event, Rajwa was driven to the Palace in a 1968 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, which was custom-made for the late Queen Zein al-Sharaf, the Crown Prince’s great-grandmother.
It was used by King Charles and Queen Camilla on a trip to Jordan in November 2021.
Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and Rajwa Al-Saif were beaming with joy as they made their vows to one another in a wedding ceremonyyesterday
Prince William and Kate Middleton were among the royal guests in attendance at the event in Jordan yesterday
The Prince and Princess of Wales were beaming as they arrived for Crown Prince Hussein ‘s lavish wedding to Rajwa Al-Saif
The bride and groom got ready to cut the enormous seven-tiered cake at the wedding reception
Crowds gathered to watch the newlyweds as the cake was wheeled in and presented to them
A cake deserving of a round of applause! The royal couple were thrilled with their cake as it was wheeled in
As they left the Palace, the newlyweds walked underneath a salute of swords while descending the red-carpeted steps
After exchanging their vows, the newlyweds walked arm-in-arm through the royal gardens in Ammam
Crown Prince Hussein was beaming throughout the wedding ceremony yesterday. Rajwa also seemed overjoyed as they exchanged rings and kissed to seal their union.
After the royal nuptials, several women performed Zaghrata – ululation – a joyous sound commonly used to express happiness at Jordanian and Arab celebrations, and the newly-weds greeted their guests.
Following the ceremony, the Royal Hashemite Court released a statement congratulating the royal couple on their nuptials.
It read: ‘The Royal Hashemite Court extends its heartfelt congratulations to Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah, as well as the Royal Hashemite Family, and wishes Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Al Hussein and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein a lifetime of happiness.’
Prince William and Kate stopped to chat with the newlyweds for several minutes.
The attendance of the British royals – who were spotted at a luxury hotel in Amman last night – had been kept under wraps, and was only confirmed by Jordanian state media a few hours before the start of the palace ceremony.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden beamed as she arrived at the wedding reception and dinner for the newlyweds
The heir to the Swedish throne was elegant in a fuchsia gown as she arrived with her husband Prince Daniel
The royal couple looked delighted to be in attendance as they beamed on arrival at the event
Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein also arrived at the recepyion in a silk pink gown with floral print
The Princess wore the long sleeved dress, which had a high collar and was buttoned down the middle, with statement bejewelled earrings
Picture perfect! Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and her eldest daughter Princess Amalia looked elegant as they arrived
While Amalia opted for a burgundy floor-length gown, her mother, 50, was dazzling in an embellished gold dress
The Dutch royals were joined by King Willem-Alexander as they attended the dinner and wedding reception
The Dutch Queen and her eldest daughter looked lovingly at each other as they arrived at the Al Husseiniya Palace
William and Kate both have a fondness for Jordan.
The Middleton family spent three years there during the early 80s, beginning when Kate was just two years old, after her father Michael, a British Airways manager, was relocated to Amman for work, and the royal couple took their children on holiday to the country in 2021.
Yesterday was declared a national holiday, with celebratory events hosted in all 12 of Jordan’s governorates to allow citizens to share in the festivities.
Queen Rania wore a black Dior gown as she greeted guests at the palace alongside her husband King Abdullah ahead of the nuptials.
The mother-of-the-groom was radiant in the floor length dress, which featured pretty gold embroidery down the back.
US First Lady Jill Biden and several members of royal families from around the world are in attendance – among them the King and Queen of the Netherlands, who chose a dress by Luisa Beccaria.
Queen Rania and King Abdullah II arrive at the royal wedding reception at Al Husseiniya Palace
In a touching nod to the late Queen Elizabeth, the newly married couple left the wedding for their reception in a 1984 Range Rover which was specially customised for her visit to the country
During the late Queen’s state visit, which took place in March 1984, the vehicle was used by His Majesty the late King Hussein to drive the royal couple to Petra and other locations in the south (pictured)
The bride and groom looked regal as they left the Zahran Palace and headed to their wedding reception
Huge crowds of adoring royal fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the beaming newlyweds
The royals travelled in style in a red motorcade as they made their way to their wedding reception
The newlyweds! Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa appeared delighted after the nuptials yesterday in Amman
The happy couple were beaming as they were driven through the streets in the white car ahead of their wedding reception
The royal couple waved to waiting crowds of fans as they were driven through the streets to the palace
Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa were beaming as they waved to crowds after their wedding ceremony
The custom Range Rover, which has taken on the name of ‘Sheer Rover,’ has been elongated and a cut off roof has been added
New white leather upholstery has also been installed, including four individual ‘Recaro’ electric seats
Princess Mary of Denmark recycled an Erdem gown for the occasion, while Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden was smart in a By Malina dress.
After the ceremony, the couple drove to their reception in the customised Range Rover.
During the late Queen’s state visit, which took place in March 1984, the vehicle was used by the late King Hussein to drive her and Prince Philip, to Petra and other locations in the south.
The custom Range Rover, which has taken on the name of ‘Sheer Rover,’ has been elongated and a cut off roof has been added. New white leather upholstery has also been installed, including four individual ‘Recaro’ electric seats.
The couple were transported to the Al Husseiniya Palace in a motorcade procession for the wedding reception, which will feature a diverse line-up of performers paying tribute to the Crown Prince’s military career, his bride’s Saudi Arabian heritage, and traditional Jordanian artistry.
The wedding reception will be hosted by King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, as well as the bride’s parents, with more than 1,700 guests.
The remainder of the evening features a variety of performances by local and regional singers, a choir group, Jordanian bands, the national orchestra, and folk dance troupes.
The reception concludes with the bride and groom cutting the wedding cake.
The couple could barely contain their excitement after exchanging their vows yesterday at the royal palace (pictured)
After the ceremony, the newlyweds greeted royal guests including the Prince and Princess of Wales
Rajwa placed a hand onto the Princess of Wales as they stopped to chat after the ceremony yesterday
Meanwhile Prince William also chatted to the bride and groom after the ceremony, apparently gesturing to Rajwa’s stunning Ellie Saab gown
Kate, who appeared to have coordinated with the bride by wearing the same Lebanese designer, chatted to the bride after the ceremony
The wedding comes after a difficult period for Jordan’s monarchy, including a public rift between the King and his half-brother, with some commentators interpreting the national celebrations as a way of shoring up public support at a time of persistent economic difficulties.
Earlier this month, Queen Rania hosted a pre-wedding henna party for Rajwa.
The queen shared a number of photographs on Instagram showing her celebrating with the bride-to-be at the traditional party.
She wrote: ‘No celebration would be complete without our Jordanian family. Celebrating our beautiful Rajwa!’
The guests included Rania’s daughters Princess Iman bint Abdullah II and Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, as well as members of the Al-Saif family and women from across the kingdom.
The party featured performances of traditional Jordanian and Saudi songs by local artists Nedaa Shrara, Diana Karazon, and Zain Awad, as well as performances by Haleem Musical Group, Al Salt Girls Band, and Misk Dance Company.
It also included a zaffeh – or grand entrance – for the bride-to-be, and henna drawing for guests.
Royals including Prince William and Kate were beaming as the newlyweds walked down the aisle after the ceremony
The look of love! Crown Prince Hussein gazed adoringly at his new wife as they were officially declared married
The Crown Prince and Rajwa Al Saif married against a backdrop of stunning flowers and greenery
The couple walked out of the event arm-in-arm while guests cheered and applauded their new marriage
The eldest son of King Abdullah II married Saudi fiancee Rajwa Al Saif at the grand royal wedding with regional monarch
The couple were seated alongside King Abdullah as they made their vows in front of a crowd of esteemed guests
The royal couple both appeared delighted as they exchanged their rings and were officially announced as man and wife
The couple could barely contain their excitement as they exchanged rings during the ceremony yesterday
Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif are seen together at their royal wedding ceremony, in Amman
The couple tied-the-knot at the Zahran Palace in an elegant and understated religious ceremony
Hussein and Rajwa, who announced their engagement in September last year, were married in the ceremony in front of 140 guests
Crown Prince Hussein couldn’t contain his emotion as his bride walked down the aisle towards him yesterday
The bride’s train featured stunning floral embroidery, with the crowd of guests applauding as she arrived for the ceremony
Rajwa’s wedding gown featured a lengthy train and veil, which her bridesmaids gently adjusted as she walked through the gardens
Ahead of the ceremony, Rajwa, who is an architecture graduate, was beaming with joy as she walked down the aisle
She was given away by Crown Prince Hussein’s brother Prince Hashem, who walked arm-in-arm with her through the gardens of the palace
Rajwa was dazzling in a white gown by by Lebanese designer Elie Saab as his younger brother walked her down the aisle yesterday (pictured)
Rajwa al-Said was breathtaking in her Elie Saab wedding down, paired with a tiara and a veil, as she arrived at her wedding
The bride beamed in her wedding gown designed by Elie Saab as she walked arm-in-arm with Prince Hashem bin Abdullah
Rajwa waved to waiting crowds of royal fans as she travelled to her nuptials this afternoon (pictured)
Welcoming her guests, Rania said, ‘I’m so happy that you could all be here to celebrate with us.
‘Today is a special day for us, and to our entire Jordanian family. Our joy is one and the same… near or far, you are all in our hearts today.’
She explained that like any mother, she has always dreamed of Crown Prince Hussein’s wedding.
‘Al Hussein is your son as much as he is mine – you are his family and this is your celebration,’ she added.
Sharing a few words about her future daughter-in-law, the Queen described Rajwa as ‘the sweetest and most beautiful bride-to-be’, adding that she is as precious to her as her daughters Princesses Iman and Salma.
King Abdullah appeared to exchange a look with his son as the ceremony began this afternoon (pictured)
Esteemed guests in the select 140 person group included foreign royals, as well as family members of the couple
Royal guests waited patiently for the bride to arrive in the gazebo, which had been erected for the ceremony yesterday
A total of 140 guests were present at the wedding ceremony at the Zahran Palace, in Amman
Esteemed guests at the event included King Philippe of Belgium, Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, as well as Jill Biden
The groom appeared to adjust his outfit as he waited for his bride to arrive at the event this afternoon
Queen Rania of Jordan was seated in the front row as she watched her son and Rajwa exchange their vows
Crown Prince Hussein could barely contain his excitement as he walked quickly through the palace gardens
Guests, which included family members and foreign royals, came together in a gazebo in the garden of the palace for the nuptials
‘I’ll never forget how happy His Majesty and I were when Al Hussein told us he wanted to marry Rajwa. She is the perfect answer to all my prayers for him,’ The Queen reflected, before wishing the couple a blessed and happy future.
‘May you always be each other’s source of happiness and support,’ she said.
The queen also noted that a daughter is usually a reflection of her mother, referring to the Crown Prince’s future mother-in-law by her first name, Azza, whom she described as a ‘gem’.
Addressing Azza bint Naif Al-Sudairi, Rania explained that two months ago, right before Princess Iman’s wedding, she realised how Rajwa’s mother must be feeling now.
But she reassured her that ‘we and Al Hussein will take the very best care of Rajwa. This is her country, and she is among her family and her people.’
The queen added: ‘As mothers, the one thing we truly want is to make sure that our children are happy.
The Duke of York’s eldest daughter opted for an elegant silver sequin gown for the occasion this afternoon
Princess Beatrice was animated as she arrived and was greeted by the royal couple ahead of the nuptials
Meanwhile Princess Beatrice arrived moments after Kate and William, hand-in-hand with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
Kate opted for a neutral makeup look for the event, wearing her hair in loose waves across her shoulders
The Prince and Princess, whose attendance at the event was a surprise to many fans, were animated as they chatted with the King and Queen
Kate and William stayed and chatted with the King and Queen for a short while after greeting them at the palace
The King smiled warmly at Prince William as the pair shook hands when the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at the wedding
Prince William leaned in to offer Queen Rania a kiss on the cheek, while Princess Kate curtseyed to the King
The mother-of-three offered a curtsey to both King Abdullah and Queen Rania, before the foursome chatted for some time
Kate and William were beaming as they greeted the royal couple at the palace this afternoon (pictured)
The Princess of Wales was radiant in an intricately designed Elie Saab gown as she carried a small glittery clutch
Kate and William looked elegant in the sunshine as they arrived at the more intimate wedding ceremony where they were among 140 guests
The Princess wore her hair in loose curls and pinned behind one shoulder as she showed off statement earrings
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden arrived in a white dress with a multi-coloured floral print as she linked arms with her husband Prince Daniel
Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein and Pricne Alois both opted for navy outfits as they arrived at the wedding
Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands looked co-ordinated in blue as they arrived
The Malaysian King and Queen arrived hand-in-hand to attend the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa al-Saif
Kate Middleton and Prince William appeared overjoyed as they arrived at Zahran Palace for the nuptials
Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant and King Philippe of Belgium arrive together at the royal wedding
The Princess was among the European royals who were in attendance at the event (pictured)
Princess Elisabeth of Belgium was among those who were in attendance at the wedding earlier
Dr Jill Biden looked engrossed in conversation with the King and Queen as she arrived at teh royal wedding
The US first lady looked elegant in a metallic dress as she arrived at the wedding venue hand-in-hand with her daughter Ashley
Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark arrived at the wedding this afternoon, with Mary donning a pair of Manolo Blahniks
FLOTUS opted for an elegant silver floor length gown for the occasion, which she paired with white heels
Dr Jill Biden was among those esteemed guests who attended the event in Jordan this afternoon
King Abdullah of Jordan and his wife Queen Rania appeared overjoyed as they greeted guests arriving for their son Crown Prince Hussein ‘s lavish wedding
The couple were beaming as they greeted the 140 guests attending the event stopping to chat with a number of attendees
Queen Rania was beautiful in black as she greeted guests at Zahran Palace alongside her husband King Abdullah ahead of the nuptials
Royal guards in a convoy headed towards the Zahran Palace on the day of the royal wedding of Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein
Members of a band played musical instruments during celebrations as they walked through the streets of Ammam
Yesterday was declared a national holiday, with celebratory events hosted in all 12 of Jordan’s governorates to allow citizens to share in the festivities
‘We often ask ourselves whether we did the best we can to raise our children. During His Majesty the late King Hussein’s final days and before his passing, I made him a promise to raise Al Hussein the way he wanted him to be raised.’
Describing the Crown Prince as a brave, confident, and strong soldier, she likened him to his father, King Abdullah, admiring how he treats his bride, and his desire to see Jordanians not only coming together to join their wedding celebrations, but also be involved in its preparations.
‘That’s when I realized that he is a true, self-aware Hashemite, who is both a part of you, and here to serve you,’ she said.
Referring once again to the anecdote she shared about the late King Hussein, the queen said: ‘I can now tell His Majesty the late King Hussein that I was true to my word.’
In September, it was announced that Sandhurst graduate Hussein, 28, was set to wed Saudi Arabian-born architect Rajwa, also 28, after an engagement ceremony at the bride-to-be’s family home in Riyadh (pictured, at their engagement ceremony)
She concluded by thanking and welcoming her guests, she added: ‘Congratulations to us all, this is your celebration, just as it is ours.’
Rajwa received a degree from Syracuse University in New York, and studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles after completing her secondary education in Saudi Arabia.
She has worked at an architecture firm in Los Angeles and currently works at the Designlab Experience studio in Riyadh.
She is the youngest daughter of Khaled M. Al-Saif and Azza bint Naif Al-Sudairi.
Mr Al-Saif is CEO of the Al Saif Group, a privately company with a diverse portfolio of businesses across healthcare, construction and security services, and is a board member of the Saudi-British Joint Business Council, which promotes trade between the two countries.
Crown Prince Hussein, the eldest of King Abdullah and Queen Rania’s four children, is a graduate of prestigious Georgetown University in Washington DC, and served in the Army after graduating from Sandhurst in 2017.
In 2015 he made history as the youngest person to chair a meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
He made headlines last year when he hosted Prince William on a visit to the Middle East.
