Model and former semi-professional footballer Dennis Verbaas, 28, from Lisse, South Holland, now known as Dennis Muhammad Abdullah after converting to Islam two years ago, is set to marry Princess Tunku Aminah, 31, the only daughter of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor, Malaysia, a state that borders on Singapore.

The second of three children, Dennis wanted to play professional football, but had heart issues. His sister signed him up to a modelling agency, which kicked off his career. Verbaas travelled around the world for work and probably came into contact with royalty in Johor while doing so.

The pair will be married on 14 August in a ceremonial process that will start on 8 August with all the traditional obligations, including a ‘royal bath’ in the botanical gardens of the Sultan.

(Links and photo: nos.nl, straitstimes.com)