Happy Birthday to Che Puan Besar (Dowager Queen) Kalsom of Pahang, who turns 73 today! The accomplished consort of one of the most illustrious Malay States for almost three decades, the former Sultanah Kalsom has worn many splendid Tiaras, with her favourite being this Diamond Tiara!
Beauchamp Pearl and Diamond Tiara | Diamond Tiara
Originally of Persian and Pakistani descent, the then Anita Abdullah worked as an air stewardess for a prominent airline before she married Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mu’adzam Shah of Pahang in 1992, taking the title of Sultanah Kalsom as a Consort of non-royal descent. Sultanah Kalsom is involved in a number charitable activities across Malaysia, including those combating domestic violence and promoting childhood development and female empowerment, and is also the patron of a “Tiger Ball” that raises money for protecting endangered tigers across Asia. The Sultan and Sultanah had one son, Tengku Abdul Fahd Mu’adzam Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah, and were married until his death in 2019, just months after his abdication, and the accession of her son, Sultan Abdullah, as King of Malaysia. After becoming a widow, Sultanah Kalsom was given the title of Cik Puan Besar (Queen Dowager) of Pahang.
The striking Diamond Tiara was created by DC Jewellery in London in 1999, around the Silver Jubilee of the Sultan of Pahang.
The diamond encrusted tiara created by DC Jewellery London was also worn for the first time in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Government of His Royal Highness the Late Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah Ibni Late Sultan Abu Bakar Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mu’adzam Shah at the Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan, in 1999.
Sultanah Kalsom first wore the Diamond Tiara for a series of portraits and a Banquet held to celebrate the Sultan of Pahang’s Silver Jubilee at the Istana Abu Bakar in Pekan.
While she also possessed the Beauchamp Pearl and Diamond Tiara among several Tiaras, Sultanah Kalsom continued to wear the Silver Jubilee Diamond Tiara for numerous Installation Ceremonies and Coronations over the years, most notably the Coronation Banquet of the Sultan of Johor in 2015.
Sultanah Kalsom was also frequently seen wearing the Silver Jubilee Diamond Tiara during the Sultan of Pahang’s annual Birthday Investiture Ceremonies and Banquets.
While she has not been seen at Royal Events in Malaysia since being widowed, the now Che Puan Besar wore the Silver Jubilee Diamond Tiara for her Birthday Party at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles last year. Let’s hope we see it worn again soon, maybe later today?
Beauchamp Pearl and Diamond Tiara | Diamond Tiara
