Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

The Kingdom of Cambodia is one of the most ancient monarchies in the world. Until 1947, year of the promulgation of a democratic Constitution by King Norodom Sihanouk Varman and the organization of the first elections of universal suffrage, the national flag has 3 colors - blue, red, white - differently placed, the Blue, surrounding the whole, symbolizing the Royalty, the Red, the Nation, the White, the Religion, at the beginning of Brahmanism, and now with the majority of Buddhism.

The royal coat of arms of the Kingdom of Cambodia is the symbol of the Cambodian monarchy and have existed in some form close to the one depicted since the establishment of the independent Kingdom of Cambodia in 1953. It is the symbol on the Royal Standard of the reigning monarch of Cambodia.

1970–1975

The Khmer Republic or République Khmère, was the republican government of Cambodia that was formally declared on October 9, 1970.

1975–1979

Democratic Kampuchea is the name of the Khmer Rouge-controlled Communist organisation that between 1975 and 1979 ruled the Southeast Asia country of Cambodia. It was founded when the Khmer Rouge forces defeated the Lon Nol-led Khmer Republic.

1979–1993

The People's Republic of Kampuchea was founded in Cambodia by the Salvation Front, a group of Cambodian leftists dissatisfied with the Khmer Rouge, after the overthrow of Democratic Kampuchea, Pol Pot's government. Brought about by an invasion from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which routed the Khmer Rouge armies, it had Vietnam and the Soviet Union as its main allies.

1992–1993

Between October 1991 and June 1993, under the UN administration, United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia, Cambodia used this Coat of Arms.

Birth of King Sihanouk is a Public Holiday in Cambodia.

The birth of King Norodom Sihanouk took place on Oct. 31st 1922 in Cambodia at the capital of Phnom Penh. King Norodom Sihanouk was a direct descendant of the 19th century King Norodom. King Sihanouk was ruler of Cambodia on two separate occasions, 1941-1955 and again from 1993-2004. As a nationalist leader, King Sihanouk secured Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule and protected his beloved country from the most powerful rivalries.

In the Preah Timeang Tevea Vinicchay (the Throne Hall) at the Royal Palace, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Sitting behind the King: President of the Senate Samdech Chea Sim, Prince Norodom Ranariddh, Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and others. October 29, 2004

King Sihanouk was the first of four children from parents Norodom Suramarit and Princess Monivong Kossamak. It is said he parents were musically talented and raised him in a humble manner. King Sihanouk was selected as king in 1941 when he was just 18 years old. In March of 1945, he proclaimed Cambodia independence and came quickly came to terms with the returning French after the war. Both in 1947 and 1951, King Sihanouk opposed demands by legislatures for a re-declaration of independence from France.

In 1953 and effectively completed in 1954, King Sihanouk went into exile in Thailand successfully regaining Cambodia independence from France easily. In 1955, King Sihanouk stepped down as monarch in favour of his father who only served as King for 5 years afterward. During this period the former King Sihanouk served his country under many titles and continued playing a prominent role in Cambodian politics. King Sihanouk regained his crown 52 years later in 1993 when a United Nations sponsored election royalist party was elected to power and approved a new constitution that re-established monarchical rule.

Khmer-Siam Royal Family Tree

Many of the countries people will return to the capital city of Phnom Penh – birthplace of King Sihanouk – for celebration. Many years the popular Cambodian Water Festival and the King’s birthday will coincide with each other which creates a gigantic celebration along the riverfront of the Royal palace. This is typically a 3-day festival with an amazing fireworks display after sunset in front of the Royal Palace. For those who don’t necessarily visit the capital city of Phnom Penh, this is a great excuse to join in the festivities. With the combination of the Water Festival and King’s Sihanouk birthday celebration, the locals are in for quite a spectacular event. Tourists who happen to be in the area are in for a great treat as well.

Queen’s Birthday is a public holiday in Cambodia. Cambodia commemorates the birthday of Her Royal Highness (HRH) Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk on the 18th of June every year. HRH Norodom Monineath Sihanouk’s birth name was Paule-Monique Izzi but is also sometimes called Queen Monique. The Queen and her husband The King-Father of Cambodia Norodom Sihanouk have two children: the current King of Cambodia, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamon, and His Royal Highness Prince Norodom Narindrapong who died in 2003 due to heart attack.

The Queen speaks English and French apart from her native Cambodian language called Khmer. The Cambodian monarchs maintain good relations with the people and head important government and non-government organizations (Honorary President of Cambodian Red Cross as in the case of the Queen).

As a sign of the government and the people’s affection for the Queen and King, special dates are set aside to commemorate their birthdays (June 18 for the Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and October 31 for King Father Norodom Sihanouk’s Birthday).

Traditions, Customs and Activities

Queen’s Birthday is only considered as a minor celebration in Cambodia so public offices still operate. To express their deep affection to the Queen, major Cambodian cities show banners greetings for her. Government dignitaries and representatives of foreign countries usually attend luncheons or dinner parties to propose a toast for good health and longevity of the Queen. The holiday has also recently become a family day where parents take their kids in local parks and malls or allow them to participate in festivities meant for children as arranged by local governments in towns and cities.

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