Prince Azim Of Brunei: A Life Cut Short

Prince Abdul Azim of Brunei, also known as Prince Azim, passed away on October 24, 2020, at the age of 38. He was the second son of the Sultan of Brunei and fourth in line to the throne. Prince Azim was a prominent figure in the international jet-set and led a glamorous life, frequently seen with celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Janet Jackson, and Mariah Carey. He was also a producer with a London-based film company and an advocate for various charitable causes. His death was announced by the government of Brunei, which declared a seven-day period of national mourning. While the official cause of death was not disclosed, local media reported that he had been battling an illness for some time.

Prince Azim's career as a Hollywood producer

Prince Azim of Brunei had a career as a Hollywood producer, with his London-based film company Daryl Prince Productions. Under the name Azim Bolkiah, he produced the 2014 film "You're Not You", starring Hilary Swank, and the 2018 film "The Happy Prince", starring Rupert Everett. He also produced Dark Places, Wild Oats, and was working on a film about the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen and Isabella Blow.

Azim's career in Hollywood was impacted by the actions of his father, the Sultan of Brunei. The Sultan's implementation of Sharia law, which included brutal punishments for queer sex and the death penalty for gay people, was met with sharp international criticism. This led to a boycott of properties owned by Brunei and caused Azim to cancel his attendance at a party for buyers of "You're Not You".

Despite this controversy, Azim was a prominent figure in the international jet set and high-profile party scene. He was frequently seen with celebrities such as Pamela Anderson, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis, and Joan Collins. He was also a supporter of the arts and creative industries, as well as various charitable causes, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK.

His attendance at elite parties and social events

Prince Azim was a prominent figure in the international jet set. He was a regular on the London social scene, attending exclusive parties and events. He was known to be friends with celebrities such as Pamela Anderson, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis, and Naomi Campbell.

In 2009, Prince Azim hosted a launch party for himself at the MCM store in London, where he was seen with guests including Ne-Yo, Stephanie Beecham, Jerry Hall, Faye Dunaway, and Janet Jackson. That same year, he attended the Rio Ferdinand 'Live The Dream Foundation' launch party, also in London.

Prince Azim was also a guest at Sir Richard Branson's Pre-Wimbledon Party at The Roof Gardens in 2008. He attended the VIP preview screening of "A Different Story", a documentary based on singer George Michael's life. He was also seen at the Marc Jacobs runway show during London Fashion Week in 2007, where he walked the catwalk with model Naomi Campbell.

In 2011, Prince Azim attended a charity show in Brunei Darussalam, where he gave a speech advocating for the respectful treatment of people with autism. He also urged for appropriate support to be given to families with autistic members.

The Prince was also present at the launch of Pamela Anderson's exclusive Coco De Mer collection in 2017, and at a festive afternoon tea hosted by Dame Joan Collins for Shooting Star Chase.

His advocacy for autism awareness

Prince Abdul Azim of Brunei was a strong advocate for autism awareness and actively supported this cause throughout his life. In May 2011, he attended a charity show in Brunei Darussalam, where 31 individuals with autism performed. During this event, Prince Azim emphasised the importance of treating people with autism with respect, just as one would treat any family member. This statement highlighted his belief in the equal value and dignity of individuals with autism and set a standard for how society should perceive and interact with them.

Prince Azim's advocacy for autism awareness extended beyond words; he was also a patron of the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, which grants wishes to children with critical illnesses, including those with autism. In 2009, he designed unisex weekend bags for MCM, and the proceeds from the sales were donated to this foundation. This initiative not only raised funds for the foundation but also helped raise awareness and support for children with autism and other critical illnesses.

Prince Azim's commitment to the cause was further demonstrated by his attendance at the 2nd ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Congress in 2013. Here, he urged that appropriate support be given to families with autistic members. This call for support recognised the challenges faced by families affected by autism and emphasised the importance of providing them with the necessary resources and understanding to navigate these challenges effectively.

Through his advocacy, Prince Azim played a crucial role in raising awareness, fostering respect, and generating support for individuals with autism and their families. His efforts contributed to a more inclusive society that values and supports individuals with autism, ensuring they receive the respect, opportunities, and assistance they deserve.

His response to being outed as gay

In April 2019, Prince Azim was outed as gay by celebrity blogger Perez Hilton. This came as a response to the Sultan of Brunei's introduction of Sharia law, which included the death penalty for gay people.

Prince Azim responded by saying that he did not mind being outed, but he was concerned that it probably hurt a few people in the community. He did not publicly address the matter further.

Prince Azim was a prominent figure in the international jet set and was known for his philanthropy. He was a producer with the London-based film company Daryl Prince Productions, which produced the 2014 film 'You're Not You'. The implementation of Sharia law by his father was poorly received in Hollywood and led to a boycott of properties owned by Brunei. Azim is thought to have cancelled his attendance at a party for buyers of 'You're Not You' because of the controversy.

His death and funeral

Prince Abdul Azim ibni Hassanal Bolkiah, the second son of Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, died on 24 October 2020 at the Jerudong Park Medical Centre in Jerudong, following a long battle with an undisclosed illness. He was 38 years old.

The government of Brunei announced the prince's death on national radio and declared a seven-day period of national mourning, with all national flags lowered to half-mast. The population was asked to dress accordingly.

Prince Azim's funeral and burial ceremony were held shortly after his death, on the same day, in keeping with Muslim tradition. He was laid to rest beside his grandfather, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, at the Royal Mausoleum in Bandar Seri Begawan after the Asar prayers. The Brunei royal family, state dignitaries, and cabinet ministers attended the funeral. Among the foreign guests was Tunku Idris Iskandar, a representative of the Sultan of Johor, who later ordered all state flags in Johor to be lowered to half-mast in respect.

Frequently asked questions