He ascended to the throne on 14 October 2004, a week after the abdication of his father, Norodom Sihanouk.[1] During his reign, Sihamoni has continued hiscultural advocacy while supporting various philanthropic initiatives, balancing his role as aconstitutional monarch amid Cambodia'spolitical developments.
His given name "Sihamoni" comprises twomorphemes from his parents' given names "Sihanouk" and "Monineath". As for "Norodom", this means Narottam inPali andPrakrit, which translates to "the best amongst men". The name has a similar meaning inKhmer as well.[4][5][6]
At the time of his birth and that of his younger brother, his motherPrincess Monique who is ofKhmer,French andCorsican descent, had been one of King Norodom Sihanouk's consorts after being a constant companion since the day they met in 1951 when she won first prize in a national beauty contest.[7] The queen was granted the title ofNeak Moneang and the name of Monineath at the time of her marriage to King Norodom Sihanouk in 1952. Furthermore, Queen Monineath is a step-granddaughter of the late PrinceNorodom Duong Chakr of Cambodia, and the daughter ofPomme Peang and of her second husband,Jean-François Izzi, a Corsican banker.[8]
Sihamoni has 14 half-brothers and half-sisters from his father; his only full sibling, a younger brother, SamdechNorodom Narindrapong, was born in 1954 and died in 2003.[9][10]
The then-Prince Sihamoni first began his education in 1959, where he attended Norodom School, followed byLycée Descartes School inPhnom Penh, developing a keen interest in the arts early on in his life.[2][3]
In 1962, the young Sihamoni was sent toPrague inCzechoslovakia by his father to study abroad. There, he completed his early education at Majakovský Primary School and later at Ostrovni Elementary School. When he was in his preadolescence years, he starred in aproduction ofPyotr Tchaikovsky'sThe Nutcracker at the prestigiousPrague National Theatre, where he pursued privateballet andpiano classes and was once even selected for a television rendition ofBrundibár, a well-known children'sopera. He then concluded his secondary education at theNational Prague Conservatory and was regarded as an able student, getting high marks. Here, he further developed his interest in theperforming arts, undertaking courses in this field and excelling at the top of his class. Furthermore, he attained great fluency inCzech.[2][11][12] A movie directed byVladimir Sís was shot about the prince in Prague in 1967, under the nameThe Other Little Prince (Jiný malý princ).[13] The prince would occasionally visit his homeland for holidays of which when he did, he involved himself in Cambodia's arts and cultural scene, including starring in a film made by his father and performing ballet. During the1970 coup d'état byLon Nol that saw Sihanouk removed from power and aKhmer Republic being proclaimed, exacerbating theCambodian Civil War, Sihamoni remained in Czechoslovakia.[14]
Thefall of Phnom Penh on 17 April 1975 led to the demise of theKhmer Republic and the creation ofDemocratic Kampuchea by theKhmer Rouge who oversaw a brutal campaign ofgenocide.[15][16] In the following year of 1976, Sihamoni was forced to come back toCambodia after having been deceived by theKhmer Rouge with a forged telegram, undersigned by King Sihanouk ordering his return.[17][18] Immediately, the rulingKhmer Rouge regime headed byPol Pot turned against the monarchy, and put the royal family including Sihamoni, his brother PrinceNorodom Narindrapong, his mother QueenNorodom Monineath, his father KingNorodom Sihanouk underhouse arrest in theRoyal Palace. The consequentCambodian genocide saw several members of the wider royal family killed and Sihamoni and his immediate family lived in daily fear for their lives, effectively shut off from the outside world. Throughout their period of house arrest, the prince recounted how they were prohibited from making contact with anyone and were barred from having any staff. The Khmer Rouge soldiers would give them food consisting of rice and fish that was limited to two times a week and they had to, for the most part, cultivate their food from the palace gardens. With theCambodian–Vietnamese War, which resulted in the ousting of the Khmer Rouge in 1979 and the establishment of the Vietnamese installedPeople's Republic of Kampuchea, the family, aided by theChinese government, was airlifted toChina. Sihamoni subsequently worked as a secretary for his father who spearheaded aresistance movement in response to the Vietnamese occupation.[19][20][21][22][23]
In 1981, Sihamoni moved toFrance to teach ballet as a professor ofclassical dance andartistic pedagogy, a position which he held for almost two decades, at variousconservatoires, including theMarius Petipa Conservatory, theGabriel Faure Conservatory and theW.A. Mozart Conservatory. He was also later president of the Khmer Dance Association there. He lived in France for nearly 20 years and continued his pursuit in the arts, establishing 'Ballet Deva', an original dance troupe, in which he served as itsGeneral Manager andArtistic Director, alongside heading theRoyal Khmer Cinematic Corporation. In his line of work, he placed emphasis on giving opportunities for men to feature more prominently in traditional Khmer dance where they are often not assigned leading roles when he created "Duel", a unique ballet style inspired by theRussian ballet.[20][2][22] During this overseas period, for a time, he also entered into themonkhood under the auspices of SamdechBour Kry, who would later become asupreme patriarch of Cambodia.[24]
On 14 October 2004, Sihamoni was chosen as monarch by theRoyal Council of the Throne, a special nine-member constitutional body that is tasked with electing theKing of Cambodia. This selection process was quickly put into place after the surpriseabdication of KingNorodom Sihanouk the week before. At that time, there were no provisions in the nation'sconstitution that covered the subject of abdication. Prince Sihamoni's selection was endorsed byPrime MinisterHun Sen and the thenNational Assembly President PrinceNorodom Ranariddh (Sihamoni's half-brother), both members of the throne council. King Sihanouk backed the decision as well.[27][28][29] A few years before his selection, there was speculation about potential succession after he was seen deputizing on Sihanouk's behalf at official functions despite him being rarely seen in public,[30][31] although much of the initial speculation focused on Ranariddh who was the preferred choice of his parents, but who ultimately expressed disinterest in acceding to the throne.[32][33][34] Sihamoni was said to have been reluctant to take on the stately role, but nevertheless accepted it in the national interest,[35][36] returning on 20 October to Phnom Penh, accompanied by his parents, King-FatherNorodom Sihanouk and Queen-MotherNorodom Monineath, to an estimated 100,000 people who lined their motorcade route fromPhnom Penh International Airport to theRoyal Palace to welcome the soon-to-be King.[37][38]
A public portrait of King Sihamoni inPhnom Penh of which he is pictured sitting on the throne on his Coronation Day.
Then-Prince Sihamoni's accession to the throne was reflected upon by journalist Michael Sheridan ofThe Sunday Times whom on 17 October 2004 remarked:
The extraordinary story of theaesthete who flies home this week to become king of Cambodia — and of the men who nearly had him killed — can be summed up for most people in the capital,Phnom Penh by the tale of two buildings on the banks of theMekong River. One is the glorious golden-roofedroyal palace, gaily illuminated by hundreds of festive lights in celebration of the announcement that the bachelor prince, Norodom Sihamoni, is to succeed his father KingNorodom Sihanouk... Within its walls, father and son endured captivity at the hands of theKhmer Rouge, not knowing from day to day whether the revolutionaries might order their murder. The other building is the concrete 1950sChaktamuk theatre, nearby, where the surviving members of the Khmer Rouge regime, most now frail old men, are expected to face trial forgenocide before aninternationally funded tribunal. Two momentous dramas in Cambodia's modernhistory – the chequered rule of King Sihanouk and the [Khmer Rouge's] blood-drenched attempt to create aMarxist utopia – are therefore drawing to a close at the same time.[39]
Sheridan's reflection captured the symbolism of the moment in Cambodia's monarchical transition as these two indelible chapters etched into its national story; the undisputed significance of King Sihanouk's influential rule and the undeniably traumatic genocidal rule of the Khmer Rouge are juxtaposed with one another as the country entered a new historical era under the reign of King Sihamoni.[39]
He was then inaugurated and formally appointed as King on 29 October 2004 in a coronation ceremony centered at theRoyal Palace in thecapital.[40][41] The coronation was noted for its relative simplicity, which was specifically requested by King-Father Sihanouk. King Sihamoni himself did not want the ceremonies to be too lavish because he did not wish for the impoverished country to spend too much money on the event, opting for a more modest affair. In a break with precedent, Sihamoni did not assume his seat on the higher, elevated throne nor did he wear the gold-and-diamond monarchial crown that came with theroyal regalia.[37][42][43]
In his first public speech as monarch, he acknowledged words of wisdom imparted to him by his father and pledged to be a king of the people by saying:
My august father, at the very moment of my election as King of Cambodia by the highly respectedThrone Council, said to me... 'it is by being in contact with the people and the realities of the country that one learns how to become more and more capable of serving, defending and developing Cambodia and the Cambodian nation.' My respected and beloved compatriots, I will always be your faithful and devoted servant. I will never live apart from my beloved people. The Royal House will remain a transparent house and for me there will never be an ivory tower.
In the first six months after his coronation, Sihamoni ensured to pay regular visits to his fellow Cambodians, especially those in the provinces and countryside, including occasionally making surprise visits. He was praised by observers for "being close to the people and having a gentle touch", though they also noted he still needed time to independently carve out his role as monarch amid the influential role of his father, former King Sihanouk, notwithstanding his abdication.[46]
On 29 October 2014, there were celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of his coronation. Well-wishers representing different cross sections of the kingdom's population congregated outside the royal palace to commemorate the occasion and pay their respects to the King.[47][48]
King Sihamoni meeting with South Korean presidentLee Myung-bak in the Throne Hall of theRoyal Palace in 2009.Rwandan Ambassador to Cambodia Yasmin D. Amri Sued presents herletter of credence to King Sihamoni in 2022.
Asroyalism has long been a staple in Cambodian political history, with periods where royalist parties had once governed the country, such as theSangkum of then-PrinceSihanouk in the 1950s and 1960s and theFUNCINPEC party of PrinceRanariddh in the 1990s,[53][54] the appointments was seen at the time by observers as signaling the cessation of royal family members participating in politics. This was because theoretically, the constitution did not allow individuals to concurrently serve in both the royal court and government.[49] Responding to the commentary, someruling party officials and members of the royal family insisted that there was no agenda behind the move and that it should not be construed as the prohibition or end of royal political involvement,[49] despite the influence and electoral success of royalist political parties having waned significantly over time.[55][56]
In late July 2023, upon the resignation of Prime MinisterHun Sen, it was announced that the King would appoint him to take up the position as head of the council, succeedingRanariddh who had died in 2021.[57][58] This coincided with the announcement that National Assembly PresidentHeng Samrin, Interior MinisterSar Kheng, Defence MinisterTea Banh, and National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspection MinisterMen Sam An, the latter three of whom concurrently served asDeputy Prime Ministers, will too be appointed as privy counsellors once they have relinquished their respective positions. The appointments came into effect later in the following month.[59][60]
On 4 September 2023, the King made additional appointments to the council that included former Foreign MinisterHor Namhong and former Supreme Court PresidentDith Munty.[61] In January 2024, former Cambodian military leaderMeas Sophea was also appointed to the council.[62] This was followed by the appointments of former Senate PresidentSay Chhum and former Senate First and Second Vice PresidentsSim Ka andTep Ngorn in March 2024.[63]
US Secretary of StateHillary Clinton with King Sihamoni in 2010.
The King has limited political powers and rarely gets involved in the Cambodian political space, in conformance with hisposition as aconstitutional monarch, and is considered to be 'above politics'.[64][65][66] Some Cambodian opposition figures, however, have called for him to be more vocal and directly involved in the political issues of the country, like his predecessor, King-fatherNorodom Sihanouk was, contending that the King has the constitutional prerogative to do so, in terms of powers accorded to him.[67][68] Conversely, others have cautioned against this notion, citing that theconstitution strictly warrants for a predominantly ceremonial monarch that "shall reign but shall not govern", noting that resorting to political intervention is neither in the long-term interests of the monarchy nor nation,[69][70] and Sihamoni, since the outset of his reign, has pledged and adhered to a largely apolitical stance.[71][72] Indeed, during the monarchical selection process, KingSihanouk touted then Prince Sihamoni's neutral and impartial approach to politics as a key trait for why he is suited to the role.[73] This is reinforced by analysis from observers that Sihamoni "has represented both continuity and change — withdrawing royalty from active politics, but advancing it as a symbol of national reconciliation", thereby restoring the "monarchy's traditional role as an 'umbrella' under which Cambodians could unite."[74] In turn, observers argue that this limits any politicization of the monarchy as an institution whilst maintaining its neutrality as well as legitimacy, especially amid the context of the sometimes controversial and turbulent nature ofCambodian politics.[75][76]
Nevertheless, there have been several occasions where Sihamoni's reluctance to be involved in the political arena have been tested. In 2005, in the first major political challenge of his reign, it was reported that he was hesitant to authorize theroyal assent for the government's plans to give effect to a controversialborder treaty with neighbouringVietnam, which was compounded by his predecessor, King-father Sihanouk's objection. This caused tension with the government after Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed frustration about the royal assent delay to the point thatabolition of the monarchy was suggested.[77][78][79][80] Sihamoni eventually signed the treaty, after having been assured by government and legislative officials as well as other members of the royal family, that no land would be ceded to Vietnam as a result of the promulgation of the bilateral treaty.[81][82]
King Sihamoni is seen with then-President of the PhilippinesRodrigo Duterte in 2016.
In 2006, at the government's petition, he granted a pardon to leading opposition politicians, namelySam Rainsy andCheam Channy, who originally had theirparliamentary immunity annulled and were facing charges viewed as politically motivated.[83][84] In regards to Rainsy, he was embroiled in a legal dispute with Prime MinisterHun Sen, over a 1997grenade attack on a political rally, which injured Rainsy, as he was giving a speech. He had accused Prime Minister Sen of being involved, an accusation that the Prime Minister denies, though Rainsy later expressed regret in making the claim.[85][86][87] As for Channy, he was designated as aprisoner of conscience byAmnesty International, where he was convicted forfraud and in attempting toconspire to overthrow the government.[88][89] At the time, the move by Sihamoni was found to be encouraging by international observers as it indicated a conciliatory gesture that points to a reduction of political tensions and restoration ofmulti-party democracy in the country.[90][91][92]
In 2009, Sihamoni, upon considering the appeals made to him for the review of the conviction verdict against opposition-affiliated journalist and editorHang Chakra, who was jailed on charges of "criminal disinformation", sought the government's support for a prospective royal pardon. The appeals were made to him in his capacity as a member of theSupreme Council of the Magistracy. This request was reportedly rejected by the government for reasons not stated, but it was eventually later accepted, of which Sihamoni went on to grant a full pardon to Chakra in 2010.[93][94][95]
In late 2009, amid then-straineddiplomatic relations between Cambodia andThailand, Sihamoni pardoned aThai national, Siwarak Chutipongse, on humanitarian grounds after a request by multiple parties, including Siwarak's mother, thePheu Thai Party and former Thai Prime MinisterThaksin Shinawatra. Siwarak had been controversially charged and jailed by a Cambodian court forespionage due to his leaking sensitive flight-related details of Thaksin to Thai officials. Around that time, Thaksin was living in exile abroad despite being a wanted fugitive for corruption in his homeland, which he challenged. He also served as an advisor to the Cambodian government, which publicly backed Thaksin and resisted theextradition attempt from theThai government.[96][97][98][99]
For the interest of the nation and our people, and for peace and national stability, I would like to appeal to the two political parties that people have voted for... to continue to find a peaceful solution to the dispute and the remaining issues. I also would like to appeal to all people to stay calm for the dignity of the nation and continue to conduct business peacefully.
Consequently, in what is regarded as the first time he had intervened directly to try to resolve a political dispute, the King attempted to play a mediating role and urged fornational reconciliation, by exercising hismoral authority to facilitate talks between the two party leaders, Rainsy and Prime MinisterHun Sen. He implored for a de-escalation of tensions, including an end to the violence between the protestors and authorities, and for the parties to find common ground towards a resolution regarding their issues.[108][109][110][111][100] In late July 2014, the CPP and CNRP eventually reached a mutually agreed deal to resolve the political impasse.[112][113]
After this, in August 2014, Sihamoni would formally swear-in Rainsy and the CNRP members of parliaments who had up until then, refused to assume their seats in theNational Assembly because of the dispute, though he had earlier officiated Prime Minister Sen's and CPP lawmakers' swearing-in ceremony in September of the previous year due to a constitutional necessity.[114][115] He later encouraged the two sides to "continue to work together for the sake of stability, development and national unity"[116] and for a time, there was a "culture of dialogue" between the rival political parties.[117] This period of dialogue was relatively short-lived as tensions soon manifested again that culminated in the dissolution of the CNRP in late 2017 and the reallocation of the party's seats that they won in the general election to other political parties in concurrence with the gradual persecution of members associated with the CNRP.[118][119][120][121][122]
In the same year, a piece of legislation was introduced, named the Political Parties Law, that human rights organisations saw as a means of further curtailing the power of the opposition in the run-up to the2018 Cambodian general election. When it came to the formalization of this law through the required royal assent, Sihamoni was coincidentally overseas, thereby delegating the royal assent duties to thePresident of the Senate, who constitutionally serves as the actinghead of state in the King's absence. This then prompted speculation as to whether there was an underlying reason behind the timing of his overseas trip.[123] During the legislative processes that was taking place to enact this law, a letter additionally emerged, of which Sihamoni had encouraged for all Cambodians to vote without intimidation ahead of the2017 communal elections.[124][125] Nonetheless, officials of the ruling CPP denied such speculation and insist that the King's trip were non-politically motivated.[126]
Similarly, in February 2018, about theLèse-majesté Law, which too had concerns expressed about it by various observers, speculation was fuelled again, when the King did not directly sign this legislation into law, due to a planned foreign trip. Some analysts maintained that this did not merely occur by chance, though others cautioned that such an assumption cannot be verified without actual official confirmation.[127][128] Regardless, commentators noted that it added to a perception that Sihamoni tends to be overseas to avoid having to give his signature to highly contentious legislations and that such trips are supposedly timed, which then trigger a delegation of responsibility to the next constitutional office holder.[129][130][131] It is theorized that the reason for this is that caught between the dilemmas of his position to concurrently not politically interfere and to also serve as a political guarantor, these absences are a way for the King to meet a middle ground through the "symbolic denial of royal legitimacy." However, the question still remains as to whether they constitute as "legitimate absences or absent legitimacy."[128]
Interestingly, a few years prior in 2015, with respect to the then draft Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organisations (LANGO), which was equally controversial, the King did sign this into law. This is despite the unprecedented action taken by Cambodiancivil society, specifically by 26non-governmental organisations, to directly lobby Sihamoni to not give his royal assent. They had cited his constitutional imperative as a "guarantor" and the proposed law's restrictive effects on their collective ability to function effectively as key reasons for why he should agree to their request. To that end, their failed attempt in petitioning the King demonstrated constraints associated with the above-mentioned theory.[128][132][133][134]
King Sihamoni is seen with parliamentarians outside theNational Assembly on 5 September 2018.
In 2018, Sihamoni urged for Cambodians to vote in the national elections, notwithstanding calls made by exiled Opposition LeaderSam Rainsy to resist such a move and for the public to boycott the election.[135] After the year'sgeneral election andsenate election, which saw the ruling CPP retaining power, winning virtually every seat in both houses of parliament, much to the consternation of members of the now-dissolved opposition, international observers and human rights groups, whom all voiced unease about the deteriorating state of political affairs in the country, not least, the lack of a viable opposition,[136][137][138] Sihamoni convened the opening of the national legislature. He had urged parliamentarians in both theNational Assembly andSenate to protect the rights of all Cambodians and seek ways to bring about national unity and in bettering the lives of the overall populace, whilst highlighting the nation's long path towards peace and development. Several Western countries boycotted the opening, but the King noted in his speech that the opening of parliament was nonetheless constitutionally mandated.[139][140][141][142]
Further, again at the request of the government, he has approved political clemency requests for several former members of the dissolved CNRP to participate in politics again, like for example in 2020, with respect to formerchief whipSon Chhay[143] and in 2021, withPol Hom, who was a deputy party president. Both Chhay and Ham were amongst at least 32 former CNRP political figures, as of February 2022, that the King has politically rehabilitated.[144][145][146] Sihamoni, also had granted a royal pardon for Rainsy's deputy and later successor,Kem Sokha who haddefamation charges against him stemming from an allegedadultery,[147] though his separatetreason charge remained until he was convicted in early 2023.[148][149] Aside from the CNRP related cases aforementioned, other high-profile pardons include that of land rights activistTep Vanny[150][151] and Australian filmmakerJames Ricketson.[152]
In the2022 communal elections, he reiterated his call for all eligible Cambodians to participate in the civic process by exercising theirright to vote, and to "not worry about oppression, threats or intimidation from any person or party at all", something that he had previously urged a few years back in the2017 communal elections. Several political parties expressed appreciation for the King's public appeal.[153][124][154] The communal elections result saw a victory for the ruling CPP, although theCandlelight Party, which has links with the dissolved CNRP, made some relatively surprising gains.[155]
At theASEAN summit in November 2022, Sihamoni hosted regional leaders at the royal palace where he reinforced Cambodia's commitment to thebloc of nations and emphasized the continued importance of inter-state collaboration in addressing contemporary issues.[156] Later, at the interrelated 43rd General Assembly of theASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, he further touched upon several topics. This included the centrality ofpeace in relation to socio-economic development, healthcare and educational investment, concern regarding theMyanmar conflict, the impact of increasing tensions betweenglobal powers, the threat ofnuclear weapons,climate change, and the lingering effects of theCOVID-19 pandemic.[157][158]
In February 2023, several months ahead of the23 July general election, Sihamoni once again advocated, as he has done in prior years, for electoral participation amongst the public and for free elections to take place.[159] His call was backed by theNational Election Committee whom urged the citizenry to heed the King's message,[160] despite insinuations of bias levelled against him by former opposition leaderRainsy. These claims were roundly rejected and condemned by government officials, including multiple cabinetministers.[161]
The election unsurprisingly resulted in the CPP's victory in which they retained their ruling majority in the legislature, though there was controversy involving the disqualification of the oppositionCandlelight Party by electoral authorities.[162][163][164] On 26 July, just a few days after the election, Prime MinisterHun Sen announced his intention to tender his resignation in favour of his son,Hun Manet. Sen had an audience with Sihamoni at the Royal Palace who reportedly consented "in a formality" to his decision and for the transitional arrangements that was scheduled within August 2023 for Manet's and the new government's appointment.[165][166][167][168][169] Aroyal decree was formally issued on 7 August, tasking Manet with forming a new government for the seventh mandate and requesting confidence from theNational Assembly.[170][171] In late August, he received the endorsement and confidence of the National Assembly to serve ashead of government. Subsequently, King Sihamoni officially appointed and sworn in Manet as the secondPrime Minister of his reign along with the newcabinet and members of parliament as well as officiating the inaugural opening for the new legislative term.[172][173][174][175]
King Sihamoni's reign has been focused on the wellbeing of theKhmer people. He has been described by some as a humble monarch because of his philanthropic endeavours and is well known for carrying out humanitarian activities.[176][177][65][178]
This can be seen through various examples such as in 2006, where when the relocation of one of the campuses of theRoyal University of Fine Arts caused an inconvenience to students and teachers, including posing safety concerns, he arranged for the donation of threeminibuses to assist with transportation.[179][180][181]Another example was in the aftermath of the2010 Phnom Penh stampede atKoh Pich that saw hundreds killed and injured, where he reached out to the victims and their families, donating money to every household who had lost a family member in the incident, as well as financially supporting those who were injured.[182][183][184] In 2016, he donated a record-breaking $6.5 million from the proceeds that was gained from the selling of the royal residence inKoh Kong to theKantha Bopha Foundation, which oversees a group of nationally renowned children's hospitals.[185] Furthermore, in 2018, upon learning of the plight of provincial people affected by flooding, he gave essential goods to over 500 families.[186]
At times, he has even assisted his fellow citizens first-hand during adverse events, such as venturing out into flooded areas and handing out goods to victims directly[187] and was once reported to have requested for hisofficial state car to stop so he can give a blanket to an elderly Cambodian who he saw on the roadside.[185] Additionally, Sihamoni is said to donate to theCambodian Red Cross on a regular basis[188] and has authorized royal grants for infrastructure,[189] schools,[190] orphanages,[191] struggling communities,[192] religious institutions,[193] people affected by a disability,[194] rehabilitation centres,[195] mental health organizations,[196] victims of violence,[197] and sponsoring student's trips[198] among others. His philanthropy extends in the international context as well, like for instance, afterHurricane Katrina, the King made a personal good-will donation to victims of the storm.[199] He has also donated towards multiple relief efforts after the occurrence of natural disasters inChina.[200][201]
Amidst the globalCOVID-19 pandemic, King Sihamoni, alongside Queen MotherNorodom Monineath has donated well over $1 million to the Royal Government of Cambodia's efforts to address the situation in Cambodia, inspiring a concerted public campaign across the country.[202][203][204] Moreover, the King has made contributions in the provision of essential supplies, including donations of food, water and face masks to Cambodians severely impacted byCOVID-19.[205] In July 2022, he contributed $500,000 towards ongoingdemining efforts in the nation, which is still plagued by problematiclandmines leftover from decades of conflict.[206][207]
In 2024, on the occasion of National Clean City Day, he publicly recognised and distributed goods to more than 2000 rubbish collectors for their work to upkeep the capitalPhnom Penh.[208] In the same year, to commemorate the 161st Anniversary ofWorld Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, he and the Queen-Mother donated $100,000 to theCambodian Red Cross.[209]
Dancing requires neither pen nor paintbrush. Only one instrument is necessary, the human body. Every motion is imbued with dance. To move is to dance. Dance exacts the utmost dedication of body, mind, and soul. Only the truly committed can pursue this demanding path . . . To us Khmers, dance in its most elaborate form is a means to draw us closer to the gods. Thus, dance becomes prayer. It becomes an indispensable ritual for the world to move forward, transcending us to the divine and raising us to supernatural heights.
Sihamoni remains an ardent advocate for Cambodian arts and culture.[176][211] For instance, in 2006, when he was designated by theInternational Theatre Institute as its "Message Author" forInternational Dance Day, he extolled the symbolism and virtue ofdance, with reference to theRoyal Ballet of Cambodia.[212][213] In September 2012, he presided over the opening ofL'ombrello di Beatocello, a documentary film byGeorges Gachot showcasing the life's work of famed Swiss pediatricianBeat Richner and his contribution to Khmer society.[214][215] Likewise, in February 2017, he did the same at the globalpremiere of acclaimed Cambodian-based filmFirst They Killed My Father, documenting the experiences ofLoung Ung, a survivor of theKhmer Rouge and directed byOscar-winning actressAngelina Jolie, whom he had earlier hosted, along with her family, atThe Royal Residence inSiem Reap prior to the occasion.[216][217][218] In March 2023, as part of the 12th Cambodian International Film Festival, he presided over the premiere screening forThe Perfect Motion, a film directed byXavier de Lauzanne, which explored the progression of the kingdom's Royal Ballet and one of the interlinked works by PrincessNorodom Buppha Devi.[219]
Furthermore, Sihamoni has been commended for his dedication to archaeological preservation, conservation and research, with specificity to Cambodia.[233] In particular, as Honorary President of ICC-Angkor (International Coordination Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of Historic Site of Angkor), King Sihamoni places special emphasis on the efforts to protect thisnational symbol andtreasure, engaging frequently with the body's work through fulfilling representative functions or routine briefings given directly to him or via a delegated senior representative.[234][235][236][237] In 2011, he attended the completion ceremony pertaining to restoration works at theBaphuon historical temple inAngkor.[238] In late 2021, he championed Cambodia's bid for the proposed inclusion ofKoh Ker, an ancient Khmer archaeological site, alongsideBokator, one of the kingdom's oldestmartial arts on the UNESCOIntangible cultural heritage andWorld Heritage Site lists.[239][240] The eventual outcome resulted in both being successfully inscribed on to their respective listings.[241][242] In November 2023, the King inaugurated the formal ceremonies to commemorate the completion of restorative works for the western causeway intoAngkor Wat and its reopening, which was closed for several years due to its deteriorating condition.[243][244]
King Norodom Sihamoni and Japanese prime ministerShinzo Abe inTokyo,Japan on 22 October 2019.
In the international arena, Sihamoni's first official foreign trip as King was toChina in 2004, where he met withPresidentHu Jintao, indicative of a strong friendship long established from the days of hisfather between China and the Cambodian royal family. Here, he routinely also undertakes yearly health-related visits, usually toBeijing and have formalcourtesy calls with members ofChina's political leadership.[245][246][247] In 2011 he declined to attend theroyal wedding of thenKate Middleton andPrince William, which someBritish tabloids headlined as a "snub." This was quickly refuted byMinistry of Foreign Affairs officials who informed that a declination notification was indeed advised and that no snub occurred whatsoever.[248][249] In 2015, he attended theUnited NationsCOP21 summit, and gave an impassioned speech highlighting the impact of theclimate crisis on Cambodia and urging international efforts on this front to be expedited.[250][251] He represented Cambodia at the 2019 Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations (CDAC) inBeijing aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and intercultural exchange.[252][253] Other notable trips include toJapan, where he was the first Cambodian sovereign since the monarchical restoration of the 1990s to visit,[254] his "second homeland" of theCzech Republic where he spent his childhood,[255] a landmark state visit toIndia,[256][257] andFrance, Cambodia's former colonial power.[258]
In contrast to his father, former KingNorodom Sihanouk's "mercurial" and outspoken reign,[259][260][261][262] commentators note that Sihamoni has maintained a relatively "low-key" profile,[263] with his tenure being characterized by an award-winning article ofThe Phnom Penh Post as being "Reign of the quiet king."[264][265] Nonetheless, leading national leaders across the political spectrum recognize the King as a unifying force in Cambodian society.Prime MinisterHun Sen gave praise to Sihamoni for honourably carrying out his role as a "symbol of national unity, stability, happiness and prosperity", noting hishumanitarianism,[188][266] as well as efforts in strengthening national prestige and fostering a "spirit of solidarity" amongst Cambodians.[267][268] Similarly, de facto Leader of the OppositionSam Rainsy, shares this sentiment, welcoming his ability to bring people together in the national interest,[269] although amid internal political developments that is seen as indicative ofdemocratic backsliding,[119][270] this view held by Rainsy has not always been consistent.[271][272][273] Thus, it is within this juxtaposition, from apower politics analytical standpoint, including on the limits and extent ofconstitutional monarchism and given thepolitical polarization,[274][275][276][277] that there are often divergent perspectives concerning the King, between those who implore for his activepoliticism[67][68][278][279] and those who advocate he sustain his guardedapoliticism.[74][75][76][130]
ScholarMilton Osborne, regarded as amongst the world's most distinguished authors specializing inSoutheast Asia,[280][281] commends him as a "dedicated servant of his people" that is "cultured and disciplined",[24] but he questions the monarchical institution's long-term survivability.[282][283] The latter can be attributed in part due to competing power structures whereby there were periods of past historical tensions between some members of the royal family and theexecutive branch.[284][285][286][287][80] However, in recent years, Prime MinisterHun Sen has given steadfast assurances which therefore signals his government's intent to preserve the monarchy well into the future.[288][289][290] Prominent Cambodian history professorSambo Manara credits Sihamoni as a "morale model" for allKhmer people whom exudes a calm and kind demeanor, underscored by a sincere warmth towards his subjects, notwithstanding some misconceived notions about the King's role from within some sectors of the population, in particular, the youth demographic.[224][291][292]
Reflecting after a royal audience with the King in 2013, thenInternational Monetary Fund Managing DirectorChristine Lagarde expressed how she was profoundly touched by his "thoughtfulness and compassion" and how he "not only cares deeply about the welfare of his people, but is clearly passionately devoted to promoting the cultural and artistic heritage of his country."[293] On the occasion of his 68th birthday,ASEAN described King Sihamoni as a monarch who is "cherished and well-respected by the people of Cambodia" and as someone who exemplifies "dignified and humbled leadership", characterized by his frequent engagements with the populace through local visitations.[294][295] The King's birthday on 14 May in conjunction with his coronation day on 29 October are both annual public holidays in Cambodia[296] and in 2019, a special commemorative 15,000riel was issued in his honour, celebrating the 15th anniversary of his tenure as sovereign.[297][298] Sihamoni is also featured on the 200, 500, 2,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 100,000 riels respectively[299] and his portrait, alongside theKing-father andQueen-mother is prominent across many parts of the country, illustrative of their highly revered status.[300][301]
In February 2018, thepenal code was formally revised to incorporatelèse-majesté legislation, which makes it an offence to insult the king, pursuant to its promulgation by Cambodia'sNational Assembly andSenate, and the law came into effect the following month.Human rights groups had voiced concerns that the law may be potentially used to suppress political opponents of the government and considered it to be incompatible with respect to thefreedom of speech, though theMinistry of Justice maintains that the law is necessary in protecting the monarchy from people who push the boundaries of said freedom.[302][303][304][305] After this law was enacted, there have been seldom arrests, charges[306][271][307][308][309] and convictions,[310][311] with the most notable case being that of Opposition LeaderSam Rainsy.[272] Prior to this legislative enactment, theconstitution did acknowledge the "inviolability" of the monarch and this constitutional provision was tested in 2017, when theMinistry of Interior pursued charges against a few individuals writing onsocial media.[312]
The King is abachelor and has no children. AsCambodia is not ahereditary monarchy, but rather anelective monarchy, his future successor will be determined by theRoyal Council of the Throne, chosen from the lineage of one of the two royal houses of Cambodia, in accordance with the country's constitution.[313][314] His parents, King-FatherNorodom Sihanouk and Queen-MotherNorodom Monineath, were once questioned by journalists about Sihamoni's marital status and when he was planning to get married. In response, the Queen-Mother replied that her son "only feels Buddhist" and that "he confines himself toBuddhism." The King-Father added that because of this, his son's affection for women is akin to that of "as his sisters" and that "he dares not to make a deep relationship." This reportedly reflects Sihamoni's adherence to amonastic way of life which is underpinned by austerepiety and devotion to faith.[315][316] Although this "lifelong bachelor" status has also resulted in some interrogations and rumors about his sexuality.[317] In some respects, Sihamoni is regarded somewhat as an enigmatic figure, with the available literature pointing to a "reflective, deliberate and cultured man" who apparently had reservations in becoming king, yet in spite of this, humbly assumed the solemn responsibility of his position, whilst holding "his cards close to his chest."[318][319][36]
It has been reported that the king "is a man of simple tastes", with a strong interest in the arts and culture. Purportedly, in his free time he enjoys the peace ofmeditation,reading, exercising, listening toclassical music such as by the likes ofBeethoven and observance to traditionalBuddhist rituals. In addition, it is reported that he enjoyscomedy films, is the occasional fan ofchocolates, and likes to keep up with current events and news.[318] Moreover, alongside having an interest inDVDs relating to ballet and opera in general, he also playspiano and is reputedly a keen reader of reviews covering theCzech theatre scene.[291][282]
During speeches that Prime MinisterHun Sen delivered in November 2020 and August 2021, he made rare public references about the King'swealth by mentioning that compared to othermonarchies in the world, Cambodia'smonarchy is amongst the poorest. He further added that the King does not have his ownprivate property. However, these factors, Sen noted, were irrelevant, as more importantly, Sihamoni has a generous heart towards his people as evident by his philanthropic contributions.[320][266]
Besides his nativeKhmer, Sihamoni speaksCzech fluently, being the only ruling monarch in the world to do so.[321][322] The king is also fluent inFrench and is a conversational speaker ofEnglish andRussian. He has basic fluency inMandarin as well.[323][264]
Then-Prince Sihamoni during the 1960s and 1990s starred in a few films, mainly directed by his father, who was a prolificfilm-maker. He has also been the subject ofdocumentaries and directed a few films himself.
Before he was crowned king, his princely royal title granted to him in February 1994 by KingSihanouk wasSdech Krom Khun (Khmer:ស្តេចក្រុមឃុន), orHis Royal Highness Sdech Krom Khun Norodom Sihamoni, equating him to the rank of "Great Prince".[331][2]
In August 2004, King Sihanouk elevated the then Prince Sihamoni to the distinguished title ofSamdech Preah Boromneath (Khmer:សម្ដេចព្រះបរមនាថ).[2]
As King, his full regnal title isPreahkaruna Preah Bath Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni Samanphoum Cheatsasna Rakhatkhateya Khemrarothreas Puthinthrea Thoreamohaksat Khemreachnea Samophorpheas Kampuch Ekreachroatboranaksanteh Sopheakmongkulea Sereyvibolar Khemarasreypireas Preah Chao Krong Kampuchea Thipadey (in romanized Khmer);Khmer:ព្រះករុណាព្រះបាទសម្តេចព្រះបរមនាថ នរោត្តម សីហមុនី សមានភូមិជាតិសាសនា រក្ខតខត្តិយា ខេមរារដ្ឋរាស្ត្រ ពុទ្ធិន្ទ្រាធរាមមហាក្សត្រ ខេមរាជនា សមូហោភាស កម្ពុជឯករាជរដ្ឋបូរណសន្តិ សុភមង្គលា សិរីវិបុលា ខេមរាស្រីពិរាស្ត្រ ព្រះចៅក្រុងកម្ពុជាធិបតី, roughly translating to "His Merciful Excellent Majesty Protector, King Norodom Sihamoni, who unites the nation, religion, realms, and people of Khmer state, the great king who is supported by Buddha and Indra, the protector of independence, unification, and peace, the Great King of the Kingdom of Cambodia."[332][333][334]
The King's shortened official title isHis Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of the Kingdom of Cambodia (Khmer:ព្រះករុណា ព្រះបាទសម្តេច ព្រះបរមនាថ នរោត្តម សីហមុនី ព្រះមហាក្សត្រ នៃព្រះរាជាណាចក្រកម្ពុជា។).[335][336]
In June 2015, he was bestowed the honorary religious titlePreah SriLoka Dhammika Raja (Khmer:ព្រះស្រីលោកធម្មិករាជ), or "Virtuous King for the Propagation of Buddhism in the World", which was recommended for him at the SixthBuddhist Summit in the year prior in December 2014.[337][338][339]
In the military context, one of his concurrent titular styles is 'Supreme Commander of theRoyal Khmer Armed Forces', which is in line with the country's constitution.[342]
As King, Sihamoni has served as the patron of many causes and organizations as well as a range ofNGOs andNPOs. This includes, but is not limited to the below list:
US AmbassadorHeidt, King Sihamoni, Queen-MotherMonineath, Mrs. Heidt, and Culture MinisterSackona at theUS Air Force Band String Quartet special concert in 2016
^A. Norén-Nilsson (2022). The Demise of Cambodian Royalism and the Legacy of Sihanouk. Sojourn: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia, 31(1), 1–36, 11-26,http://www.jstor.org/stable/2477978
^abcB. Lawrence (2022). The Symbolic Safeguard: Royal Absence in Cambodia's Constitutional Monarchy. Asian Journal of Law and Society, 9(3), 382-398. doi:10.1017/als.2022.31
^abDiamond, Catherine (2012).Communities of Imagination: Contemporary Southeast Asian Theatres. Honolulu, Hawaii, United States: University of Hawaii Press. p. 122.
^A. Kent (2022). Covenantal Pluralism: Resonances and Dissonances in Cambodia, The Review of Faith & International Affairs, 20:1, 11-26, DOI: 10.1080/15570274.2022.2031054
^Diamond, Catherine (2012).Communities of Imagination: Contemporary Southeast Asian Theatres. Honolulu, Hawaii, United States: University of Hawaii Press. pp. 122–123.
Miroslav Nožina,Jiří Šitler, and Karel Kučera. Royal Ties: King Norodom Sihamoni and the History of Czech-Cambodian Relations. Prague: Knižní klub, 2006.ISBN978-80-86938-75-2
Julio A Jeldres. The Royal House of Cambodia [First edition]. Cambodia: Monument Books, 2003. ISBN 974-90881-0-8
Julio A Jeldres. The Royal House of Cambodia [Second edition]. Cambodia: The Sleuk Rith Institute, 2017.ISBN978-99-24907-85-5
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