Jordan’s Crown Prince Weds Saudi Architect With Ties to Royal Family

Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah married the scion of a prominent Saudi family on Thursday in a wedding that drew royals from across the globe, including Britain’s Prince William and wife Kate, Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima and Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary. But the wedding of the 28-year-old heir apparent to Jordan’s longstanding monarchy also was seen as a symbolic union between two Arab world powerhouses.

The ceremony was held in the mid-century Zahran Palace in the capital Amman — the scene of other key Hashemite kingdom weddings, including that of the monarch’s father, the late King Hussein bin Talal, and his wife, Queen Rania. Thousands of people filled the streets as the royal procession went from the palace to the couple’s residence.

Lebanese designer Elie Saab designed the bride’s white gown with a softly folded, asymmetrical neckline and a veil that seemed to flow behind her like a waterfall. She later changed into a cap-sleeve Dolce & Gabbana bridal gown with a sweetheart neckline for the wedding reception.

Rajwa Al Saif, 29, is a relative of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, through her mother’s side of the family. According to her website, she is a professional architect specializing in luxury hospitality projects. She studied architecture at Syracuse University in New York and led a spring break design symposium for students there in 2017.

The wedding is a moment of joy for the nation of 11 million. Experts say it has seen political turmoil and economic woes in recent years as it struggles with its role as a regional peacemaker and stalwart U.S. ally. It could reinforce the notion of continuity in a family and a monarchy prized for stability in an area beset by turmoil. In addition, it is a chance to forge a bond with oil-rich neighboring Saudi Arabia.

For the Western-educated heir apparent, it’s just another chapter in his meteoric rise to prominence. In recent years, he has deputized for his father at international summits and the U.N. General Assembly and gained global recognition for his work as the head of the Crown Prince Foundation. This charity runs youth empowerment and employability skills initiatives.

Analysts say he has an enviable reputation in the region for his diplomatic skills and his resemblance to his father, the late King Hussein. He also has amassed a sizable social media following, with more than 4 million followers on his Instagram account, where he posts eclectic photographs of hiking trips, military training, and royal functions. But the ceremony is a significant milestone that will define his future leadership and likely shape the direction of his kingdom. He’s still relatively young, and many observers expect him to make more sweeping changes in the future, particularly given Jordan’s political climate. The king has wide-ranging powers in the parliamentary monarchy, which is deeply indebted and relies on foreign aid. But he is also seen as the supreme leader of the armed forces.