The biggest royal wedding of 2023 took place on June 1, 2023, when Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein married Rajwa Al Saif. After the wedding, the Jordanian royals shared that "a Royal Decree was issued, bestowing the title of Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein on Miss Rajwa, on the occasion of her marriage to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II."

The statement added, "On this occasion, the Royal Hashemite Court extends its heartfelt congratulations to Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah, as well as the Royal Hashemite Family, and wishes Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Al Hussein and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein a lifetime of happiness."

Celebrations began in late May, when Queen Rania hosted a henna party for her future daughter-in-law Rajwa Al Saif at Madareb Bani Hashem, and on the night before the wedding, King Abudllah hosted a dinner banquet for his s

on Prince Hussein at the same location.

"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," Queen Rania said in her remarks at the henna party. "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," she added. "May you always be each other’s source of happiness and support."

The wedding itself featured royalty from around the world, and foreign dignitaries like U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, who arrived with her daughter, Ashley. Prince William and Kate Middleton were among the royal guests, and Prince William's cousin Princess Beatrice was also in attendance, with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

Here, see all the best photos from the pre-wedding parties and from all the royal wedding celebrations.

The banquet

The last event of the royal wedding was a banquet at Al Husseiniya Palace, where Princess Rajwa changed into a second gown. L-R: Rajwa's parents Khalid Al Saif and Azza Al Sudairi, Princess Rajwa, Prince Hussein, Queen Rania, and King Abdullah II.

Rania shared a loving look with her son and new daughter-in-law.

The Jordanian royals stood in a greeting line to welcome their guests. Here, they say hello to King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

King Abdullah shakes hands with the Sultan of Brunei.

Sheikha Mozah rocked a neon green gown.

US First Lady Jill Biden looked lovely in purple. She was joined by her daughter, Ashley Biden.

Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan (right, in pink) chats with the newlyweds as Queen Sofía of Spain (in grey) speaks with Rajwa's father.

Prince Frederik and Princess Mary greeted the Jordanian royals.

Princess Victoria of Sweden opted for a hot pink outfit, accompanied by her husband Prince Daniel.

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos (center, using a cane) has been living in exile in the United Arab Emirates since 2020.

The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the reception, too. 

Kate wore the Lover's Knot Tiara and a Jenny Packham gown. 

The British royals looked very regal. 

The reception

The arrival of Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa was announced with a Zaffeh, "a lively musical procession featuring drums, bagpipes, singing, and clapping." 

A view of the back of Rajwa's dress as she enters the reception. 

The Jordanian royal family walked in together. Prince Hussein's sisters were behind their parents—Princess Salma, in blue, and Princess Iman, in silver—as was his brother, Prince Hashem.

King Abudllah and Queen Rania greeted all the guests from the stage. 

King Abdullah embraced his son.

An overhead view of the reception in the evening.

There were around 1,700 guests invited to the reception at Al Husseiniya Palace.

The two shared a loving look before they cut the cake.

The wedding cake towered over Hussein and Rajwa, as they used a sword to cut it.

It was decorated with blue flowers. 

The procession

The newlyweds took part in a procession in an open-top car following the ceremony.

The back of Rajwa's dress included flowers.

They left Zahran Palace to greet the crowds before the evening reception.

The streets were packed to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds. 

They traveled as part of the Red Motorcade, where "motorcade members and riders don full Jordanian military regalia and the national red and white checkered headdress, known in Arabic as the Shemagh," per the Palace. 

The Prince and Princess traveled in a 1984 Range Rover that was customized for the visit of the late Queen Elizabeth to Jordan.

The front of the car was adorned with flowers. 

Wedding Ceremony at Zahran Palace

Prince Hussein and Rajwa, now Princess Rajwa, officially married in an Islamic ceremony at Zahran Palace. It was presided over by Royal Hashemite Court Imam Dr. Ahmed Al Khalaileh.

Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa looked so in love.

Rajwa was escorted down the aisle by Prince Hussein's little brother.

The 18-year-old Prince Hashem was up for the task.

A gorgeous photo of them walking in.

Prince Hussein walked in solo.

Hussein would write on his Instagram after the wedding, "God has blessed me with Rajwa, the light of my life and my lifelong companion. May our marriage bring us both peace and warmth. I pray that God continues to bless us. Once again, my deepest thanks to everyone who celebrated with us from our beloved Jordan, as well as our family and loved ones from around the world. I could not be more thankful to God for the countless blessings He has granted me today, and to Rajwa for everything she is to me."

Queen Rania sat next to Rajwa's mom Azza al-Sudairi during the ceremony.

The parents of the groom, King Abdullah and Queen Rania, arriving for the ceremony. 

An extended family portrait after the ceremony.

Wedding Guests

Prince William and Kate Middleton were surprise guests at the wedding.

All guests walked in under this decorated arched doorway.

Prince Hussein's sister, Princess Iman, got married earlier this year.

She arrived with her new husband, Jameel Alexnader Thermiotis.

Dr. Jill Biden attended with her daughter, Ashley Biden.

King Abdullah greeted his uncle, Prince El Hassan bin Talal. Behind Hassan is his wife, Princess Sarvath.

Belgian royals King Philippe and his daughter and heir, Princess Beatrice, were among the foreign royalty in attendance.

Princess Beatrice was also in attendance at the Jordanian royal wedding, with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were among the foreign royals in attendance at the wedding.

Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden were also attendees of the royal wedding.

Bhutan's Queen Jetsun Pema (right) and her sister-in-law Princess Eeuphelma (left) made the trip to Amman for the wedding.

Princess Elisabeth of Belgium embraced the Barbiecore summer style in a hot pink gown.

Japan's Princess Hisako and her daughter, Princess Tsuguko, were among the guests.

Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark looked chic (spot Mary's bow!) as they arrived for the ceremony.

May 31, 2023: Pre-wedding dinner banquet

On the eve of the wedding, King Abdullah hosted a banquet for hsi son at Madareb Bani Hashem, at the Royal Hashemite Court.

Prince Hussein took in the festivities.

There were musical performances.

Hussein was surrounded by his family and friends.

King Abdullah greeted the crowds.

Abdullah, Hussein, and other members of the Hashemite family sat in the front row.

Dancers also performed during the banquet.

Hussein looked cool and collected on the night before his royal wedding.

Hussein was gifted a Hashemite sword with a Quranic engraving.

The Jordanian king shared some remarks during the evening.

King Abdullah looked like a proud dad.

"There’s nothing more meaningful than to share your happiness with the people you love and who love you in return. Your family, childhood friends, and lifelong companions – those who have been by your side at each of life’s pivotal moments, who show up for you without ever waiting to be asked, simply because they are happy to make you happy," Hussein wrote on Instagram. "My dear parents, cousins, loyal friends, brothers in arms, Jordanian youth, and each and every one of the men who joined us at Madareb Bani Hashem today: you are the lifeblood of our country. Thank you." 

May 23, 2023: Henna Party

Rajwa Al Saif, 28, was born in Saudi Arabia. For her henna party, she wore Saudi designer Honayda Serafi.

Rajwa (center) poses with Princess Iman, Queen Rania, her mom Azza Al Sudairi, and Princess Salma.

Rania said to Rajwa's mom Azza, "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."

Queen Rania smiles alongside Rajwa, the future queen of Jordan.

Rajwa with her future sister-in-law Princess Iman, who just had a glamorous royal wedding of her own.

Rajwa's dress designer Serafi told Arab News "When I first got the call, I was extremely happy and proud to be part of this exceptional and historical moment. What I am especially proud of is communicating the love story between the crown prince and Rajwa in the design itself."