Jordan’s crown prince weds scion of Saudi family in ceremony packed with stars and symbolism

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Jordan’s Crown Prince Weds Scion of Saudi Family in Ceremony Packed with Stars and Symbolism

Royal Union of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Alseif

Jordan’s crown prince married the scion of a prominent Saudi family on Thursday in a palace ceremony attended by royals and other VIPs from around the world, as massive crowds gathered across the kingdom to celebrate the region’s newest power couple. The marriage of Crown Prince Hussein, 28, and Saudi architect Rajwa Alseif, 29, drew a star-studded guest list including Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate, as well as U.S. First Lady Jill Biden.

Significance of the Wedding

The celebrations hold deep significance for the region, emphasizing continuity in an Arab state prized for its longstanding stability and refreshing the monarchy’s image after a palace feud. It even could help resource-poor Jordan forge a strategic bond with its oil-rich neighbor, Saudi Arabia.

The Wedding Ceremony

The families and their guests gathered in an open-air gazebo decked with flowers and surrounded by landscaped gardens for a traditional Muslim wedding ceremony known as “katb al-ketab.” The crowd erupted in applause after the signing of the marriage contract. Alseif will henceforth be known as Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, according to a royal decree.

Celebrations and Public Reaction

Several miles away, a jolt went through a packed ancient Roman amphitheater as viewers watched the couple seal their vows and exchange rings on a wide screen. After several minutes of stillness, the crowd of some 18,000 people were on their feet, waving flags and shrieking with excitement at one of several viewing parties held across the nation. The kingdom declared Thursday a public holiday so crowds of people could gather to wave at the couple’s motorcade amid a heavy security presence across the city. Tens of thousands of well-wishers attended free concerts and cultural events.

Guest List and Attire

On Thursday morning, Saudi wedding guests and tourists — the men wearing white dishdasha robes and the women in brightly colored abayas — filtered through the marbled lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel in Amman. The guest list includes an array of foreign aristocrats and dignitaries, including senior royals from Europe and Asia, as well as U.S. climate envoy John Kerry. Both Rajwa and Kate wore gowns by the Lebanese designer Elie Saab.

Symbolic Gestures and Royal Traditions

The bride, wearing an elegant white dress by Lebanese designer Elie Saab, arrived at Zahran Palace in a 1968 Rolls-Royce Phantom V custom-made for the crown prince’s late great grandmother. The crown prince arrived earlier in full ceremonial military uniform with a gold-hilted saber. The newlyweds later emerged from the palace in a white custom Range Rover escorted by several bright red Land Rovers, motorcycles, and a military marching band — a nod to the traditional horse-mounted processions during the reign of the country’s founder, King Abdullah I.

Advantages and Economic Context

Experts consider the marriage an advantageous alliance for the Hashemites, historic rivals of the Al Saud family to the east. Jordan has recently sought closer ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab petro-states, which once doled out billions of dollars to the aid-dependent country but since have reined in their spending. The wedding may create a brief feel-good moment for Jordanians during tough economic times, including persistent youth unemployment and an ailing economy.

Reflections on the Royal Wedding

Excitement over the nuptials — Jordan’s biggest royal event in decades — has been building in the capital of Amman, where congratulatory banners of Hussein and his beaming bride

What is the significance of the Jordan royal wedding?

The Jordan royal wedding holds deep significance for the region as it emphasizes continuity in an Arab state known for its longstanding stability. It also helps refresh the monarchy’s image after a palace feud and potentially strengthens Jordan’s strategic bond with its oil-rich neighbor, Saudi Arabia.

Who are the bride and groom of the Jordan royal wedding?

The groom is Crown Prince Hussein, 28, of Jordan, while the bride is Rajwa Alseif, 29, a Saudi architect. They tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony attended by royals and VIPs from around the world.

What were some of the notable guests at the Jordan royal wedding?

The guest list included Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate, as well as U.S. First Lady Jill Biden. Other attendees included senior royals from Europe and Asia, along with U.S. climate envoy John Kerry.

What were some symbolic gestures and traditions observed during the wedding?

The bride arrived at Zahran Palace in a 1968 Rolls-Royce Phantom V custom-made for the crown prince’s late great grandmother, while the crown prince himself arrived in full ceremonial military uniform. The couple later emerged from the palace in a white custom Range Rover, escorted by a military marching band, a nod to the traditional horse-mounted processions during the reign of King Abdullah I.

How did the public celebrate the Jordan royal wedding?

Massive crowds gathered across the kingdom to celebrate the wedding. Viewing parties were held, and thousands of well-wishers attended free concerts and cultural events. The couple’s motorcade was greeted by waving crowds, and a public holiday was declared to allow people to join the festivities.

What are the potential benefits of this union for Jordan?

Experts believe that this marriage could be an advantageous alliance for Jordan, fostering closer ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab petro-states. This could have economic advantages for Jordan, particularly during challenging times, and strengthen relationships in the region.