Sultan of Brunei undergoes successful knee replacement surgery

The Sultan of Brunei had a successful knee replacement on Sunday. 

His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, 79, underwent a total right knee replacement this Sunday, 18th January, the Prime Minister’s Office has announced in a special broadcast to the nation.

Following the operation at Jerudong Park Medical Centre, The Hon. Pehin, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II, said that the Sultan is in stable condition and is recuperating in hospital.

The recovery period is expected to take two to three months, including physiotherapy sessions. During which, appearances at engagements—i.e, state and ceremonial—may be limited but will continue depending on the Sultan’s condition from time to time. The Prime Minister’s Office and relevant agencies will continue to provide further updates on the health of the Sultan as needed.

Minister Pehin also stated, “public support in particular the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam both in the country and overseas, in religious events such as Sunat Hajat Prayer, Recitation of Surah Yasin and Special Doa that have been held throughout the country is very meaningful in together praying to Allah the Almighty to bestow immediate healing, perfect health, and lasting well-being to our beloved Monarch.”

It was announced last week that the Sultan would undergo the operation to “restore knee function, increase mobility and provide comfort.”

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei acceded as the 29th Sultan of the House of Bolkiah on the 5th October 1967, at the age of 21, following the surprise abdication of his father, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. Hassanal Bolkiah has been married three times (divorced twice) and has twelve children amongst the three marriages. The absolute monarch serves as Head of State and Government, Defence, Finance, and Foreign Minister, as well as Commander of the Armed Forces. The Sultan has reigned for 57 years and is currently the world’s longest-reigning monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.