KUANTAN: When posed with the question of coffee or tea, Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah will most likely choose tea.
This was shared by one of the Queen’s closest friends, Normala Baharudin, 48.
She said Tunku Azizah, the fourth child of the late Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar, had a collection of tea blends that was gathered during her travels or had received as gifts from family and friends.
“Apart from finding enjoyment in drinking tea, perhaps not many are aware that the Queen has her collection of teas as she appreciates their tastes and aromas,” she said.
Normala, who is also World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) board member added that Tunku Azizah loved to read and had her own mini library at Istana Abdulaziz here.
She said the fifth Tengku Ampuan Pahang of the modern era enjoyed reading different genres of books, making her knowledgeable on a wide range of topics.
“Her Majesty is also very fond of pastel colours, especially light blue or pale turquoise... but at the same time, for functions, she is a wizard in matching bright colours to make them harmoniously coordinated.
“When it comes to fashion, her choice of clothing will always be baju kurung moden.
“She understands fashion and has designed clothes not only for herself, but for the whole family,” she said.
Many will associate Tunku Azizah with the famous Tenun Pahang Diraja (Royal Pahang Weave) which is her favourite woven silk fabric.
It is believed to have originated from Riau or Sulawesi and brought to the state in the 16th century.
Normala said this could be proved as the clothes donned by the royal couple at functions, designed by the Queen herself, were usually made of this special fabric.
It is a known fact that Her Majesty is beyond passionate about traditional Malay cooking, but Normala said the Johor princess also had a flair for sewing, crocheting, hand embroidery, cross stitching and batik painting.
She said Tunku Azizah would indulge in these hobbies while waiting for flights at the airport or during long-haul trips.
“Before starting on a long-distance journey especially, Tunku Azizah will always carry her needlework bag, which contains tools such as crochet hooks and yarns.
“When Her Majesty teaches hand embroidery, she not only examines the final result but would also inspect the back portion as according to her this is a reliable test of a person’s character,” she said.
Tunku Azizah is very thorough and has always emphasised perfection in her work and this facet in her is emulated by her staff and those close to her.
Normala said Tunku Azizah enjoyed playing badminton and golf, but was spending less time on these activities due to her responsibilities to the people and the state.
“But, no matter how busy she is, Tunku Azizah will always keep to her word.
“If she has promised something, like accepting an invitation a year ahead of the event, she will be there as she does not want to disappoint anyone.
“If she can’t make it to an event due to illness or has to attend to other official ceremonies, she will apologise and instruct someone to represent her,” Normala added.-Bernama