The Royal Truth
Her World Malaysia|May 2018

Do royals really not have to work, or is their job to be a public figure? We find out by tracking down two Malaysian princesses.

Eena Houzyama
The Royal Truth

Her World: What is the key role of a princess in Malaysia?

Tengku Zatashah (TZ): “There is no designated role for a princess in Malaysia, as we are not assigned duties or responsibilities, and we are not in the royal council. It’s how you wish to carve your life out, I believe. For me, I wish to help in the betterment of my state and my country, for the rakyat, as best as I can. I have many causes that I am passionate about; I get involved and participate at a grassroots level or by being a Royal Patron to the best of my ability.”

HW: Many still think that princesses do not have to work or have a career. Is this true?

TZ: “It’s true that many people falsely believe we do not need to work. In France, when my peers eventually found out about my family background after five years, my female director asked me straight out, ‘Why are you working then?’ This completely shocked me. What else would I be doing? My parents have always told me that I must work hard in life for what I want. Having a career means setting challenges and being the best that you can be professionally. I am not content to sit around and do nothing. Friends know that I am always rushing from one commitment to another, as I have a hard time saying no or doing nothing. Society makes this assumption that I have everything I want in life given to me on a plate, but this is so far from the truth as I have to work hard for my goals and dreams. I want to be an all-rounded person and not just swan around in a palace, wearing a tiara, as society would assume.”

HW: Do princesses have to take on jobs that lean towards social activism? 

This story is from the May 2018 edition of Her World Malaysia.

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This story is from the May 2018 edition of Her World Malaysia.

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