Datin Paduka Seri Dayang Hajah Mariam binti Abdul Aziz (born 29 January 1956) or also referred to as Mariam Aziz, is the former wife of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, married to him from 1981 to 2003.
Early life
As the third child of Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, formerly known as James Bell, and Pengiran Rashida, Mariam was born on 28 January 1956. Her father ancestry is both English and Japanese. She served as a flight attendant for Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA). Later, she was transferred to the Sultan's flight.
Marriage
On 28 October 1981, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Mariam married Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who made her his second wife. She was bestowed the title of Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Isteri. Together they have four children who are Prince Azim, Princess Azemah, Princess Fadzilah and Prince Mateen.
After meeting in 1980, the couple got divorced in February 2003. Prince Sufri, the brother of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, announced the information on official television on 2 February 2003, that she was getting a divorce in accordance with the country's Sharia Islamic law. In government and commercial establishments, several images of the sultan's ex-wife that were displayed alongside to pictures of him and his first wife were swiftly taken down after the royal announcement. The monarch has 100 days to change his mind without requiring new marriage vows, but no explanation for the divorce was given.
Jewellery lawsuit
Mariam accused Fatimah Kumin Lim of stealing jewelry in two lawsuits in London. The judge concluded that the theft had illegally sold two diamonds and a diamond jewellery worth about £12.5 million. She lives in Singapore and is currently pursuing compensation for the theft. Mariam had previously testified in court that she had given a diamond bracelet to one of her bodyguards on a night out in 2008 for safekeeping and had not seen it since.
Social contributions
Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to offering high-quality training, rehabilitation, and educational opportunities for people with special needs. Mariam serves as Pusat Ehsan's patron. The center was founded by the patron with the intention of improving the lives of people with impairments.
Together with Princess Masna on 8 May 2022, participated in tai chi during a mass charity exercise hosted by the Brunei Business Women's Association at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.
Legacy
Namesakes
Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Hospital (PIHM Hospital), home to the fourth-largest district hospital in the nation. It is located at Temburong District's Bangar town.
Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Secondary School (SMPIHM), a school in Kampong Serasa.
Honours
Mariam had her national awards revoked upon her divorce in 2003, despite this she still holds the title of Datin Paduka Seri as of 2022. She has been awarded the following awards:
National
Royal Family Order of the Crown of Brunei (DKMB; 11 April 1987)
Order of Paduka Keberanian Laila Terbilang First Class (DPKT; 29 November 1996) – Datin Paduka Seri
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Medal (PHBS; 1 August 1968)
Foreign
Jordan:
Supreme Order of the Renaissance Grand Cordon (19 December 1984)
Malaysia:
Malaysian Service Medal (PJM; 11 April 1987)
Royal Family Order of Kelantan (DK; 7 March 1999)
Royal Family Order of Johor First Class (DK I; 6 March 1997)
Order of the Crown of Johor Knight Grand Commander (SPMJ; 11 April 1987) – Datin Paduka
Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak Knight Commander (DA) – Datuk Amar
South Korea:
Grand Order of Mugunghwa (6 April 1984)
Egypt:
Order of the Virtues Supreme Class (17 December 1984)
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