Princess Ilyana Alia of Pahang has married British GT racing driver Christopher Froggatt in a lavish ceremony at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The couple's traditional Islamic solemnisation took place on August 7.
Princess Ilyana, 29, formally styled Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Puteri Ilyana Alia, is the daughter of Sultan Abdullah, the former King of Malaysia and sixth Sultan of Pahang, and former actress Julia Rais. Her new husband, 32-year-old Christopher Froggatt, is a British racing driver and co-founder of Tempesta Racing, competing in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup.
For the celebrations, Princess Ilyana wore two creations by Malaysian couturier Datuk Radzuan Radziwill. At the solemnisation ceremony, she wore a lace gown with a high neckline, fitted silhouette, and long sleeves, paired with heirloom jewels from the Pahang royal collection. These included a diamond tiara belonging to Queen Azizah and a diamond and emerald necklace with matching chandelier earrings.
During the main ceremony, the Princess chose a glittering Art Deco diamond tiara from the Pahang royal family's collection. This historic piece, dating from the 19th century, features scrolling and neoclassical leaf motifs and was paired with her second gown.
The celebrations included prayers, the exchange of rings, and the presentation of marital gifts. The Sultanate of Pahang issued a statement wishing the newlyweds happiness, grace, and lasting prosperity.
Guests at the ceremony included the Crown Prince of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, members of the Pahang Royal Household, Pahang Chief Minister Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, and Sheik Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates.
Princess Ilyana's family has connections to Britain, as her father, Sultan Abdullah, attended Aldenham School and Worcester College, Oxford. He later served in the British Army, beginning his military career at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Sultan Abdullah served as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or King of Malaysia, from 2019 to 2024. Malaysia's monarchy rotates the position of King among the rulers of its nine hereditary royal states every five years.
Froggatt developed a passion for motorsport in childhood and entered competitive car racing at age 24. He established Tempesta Racing in 2017 and has become a successful GT driver.
The couple maintained a private relationship before their marriage, bringing together Pahang's royal tradition and the world of international motorsport.