Queen hosts dinner party in celebration of Crown Prince Hussein and Miss Rajwa’s upcoming wedding

AMMAN — Her Majesty Queen Rania hosted a dinner party on Monday evening at the Royal Hashemite Court’s Madareb Bani Hashem in celebration of the upcoming wedding of HRH Crown Prince Hussein and Miss Rajwa Alseif.

Among the guests were a number of princesses, including Their Royal Highnesses Princess Iman bint Abdullah II and Princess Salma bint Abdullah II, as well as members of the Alseif family and women from across the Kingdom, according to a statement from Her Majesty’s office.

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 for the bride-to-be and Henna drawing for guests.

Welcoming her guests, Queen 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.”

Her Majesty 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 Miss 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.

“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,” Her Majesty 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 Mrs Azza Al Sudairi, Her Majesty explained that two months ago, right before Princess Iman’s wedding, she was in her position and knows how she must be feeling. 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 went on to say “as mothers, the one thing we truly want is to make sure that our children are happy. 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 Al Hussein as a brave, confident, and strong soldier, Her Majesty likened the Crown Prince 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.”

Her Majesty concluded by thanking and welcoming her guests. “Congratulations to us all, this is your celebration, just as it is ours,” she said.

The party ended with guests expressing their well wishes and congratulations to His Majesty King Abdullah, Her Majesty, the Crown Prince, and Miss Rajwa.