Al-Sultan Abdullah, Tunku Azizah depart for Pahang

A sense of melancholy was clearly reflected on the faces of those present, including those who made diligent efforts to capture the moments of departure of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who have dedicated themselves to rendering exceptional service to the nation.

Upon their arrival at the Bunga Raya Complex at 10.20 am, the royal couple received a warm welcome from the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

Also in attendance were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, as well as Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah then graciously posed for photographs with two elephants, Myan Thon Pian and Rambai, which led the procession welcoming Their Majesties at KLIA, accompanied by the Ceremonial Mounted Squadron.

Subsequently, the outgoing King and Queen shook hands with the attendees at the Bunga Raya Complex, where Tunku Azizah was seen wiping away tears on several occasions.

Their Majesties then took their position at the royal dais to witness the 'Lambaian Kasih' (Wave of Love) dance performance by participants from diverse communities, accompanied by the 'Daulat Tuanku' song.

The atmosphere brimmed with emotions as Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah stood in front of the special aircraft door, gracefully waving to the assembled attendees and dignitaries while exchanging 'mini love' and 'flying kisses', before the door closed, symbolising the departure of the royal couple to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Air Base in Kuantan, Pahang.

Three chants of 'Daulat Tuanku' filled the air as a heartfelt farewell to Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah.

Guided by Captain Ahmad Najhan Mohd Jamil, the special aircraft took off at 11.16 am, escorted by two RMAF F/A-18D Hornet fighter jets flown by Major Saifirudin Bahari and Major Mohammad Afendie Mohammad Idir.

-- BERNAMA