Monarchy of Cambodia Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids King of Cambodia
3D version of the Royal Arms of Cambodia
Incumbent
Official photo of His Majesty, Norodom Sihamoni published by the Cambodian Government since 29 October 2004

Details
Style	His Majesty
First monarch	Queen Soma
Formation	50 CE; 1,975 years ago
Abolition	18 March 1970 – 24 September 1993
Residence	Khemarin Palace (official) Royal Residence (secondary)
Appointer	Royal Council of the Throne

The monarchy of Cambodia is a special type of government in the Kingdom of Cambodia. It is called a constitutional monarchy. This means the King of Cambodia is the head of state. He leads the Royal House of Norodom.

Today, the King's power is mostly symbolic. He is a figurehead, meaning he represents the country but doesn't make all the decisions. The monarchy has existed since about 50 AD. It was stopped for a while between 1970 and 1993. Since 1993, the King of Cambodia has been chosen by election. This makes Cambodia one of the few countries where the king is elected. The Royal Council of the Throne chooses the king for life. This council includes important political and religious leaders. Candidates must be male descendants of King Ang Duong. They also need to be at least 30 years old. They come from two royal families: the House of Norodom and the House of Sisowath.

What the King Does
Royal Palace Ministry
A Look at History
- Modern Kings and Queens (1863–Present)
Royal Symbols
Images for kids
See also

What the King Does

Cambodia's constitution was written in 1993. It says the king's job is mostly ceremonial. It states that the king "shall reign, but not govern." This means he rules in name but doesn't control the government. He is also a "symbol of national unity and continuity."

The king has several important duties, as stated in the constitution. These include:

Choosing the prime minister and the Cabinet.
Opening meetings for the two main law-making groups. These are the National Assembly of Cambodia and the Senate of Cambodia.
Being the top commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
Meeting with the prime minister twice a month. During these meetings, the king learns about important country matters.
Signing royal laws and decrees. These make new laws and government plans official.
Acting as a "supreme arbiter." This helps state institutions work smoothly.
Welcoming ambassadors from other countries.
Having the power to reduce or cancel punishments for crimes.
Leading the Supreme Council of the Magistracy.
Appointing some members to state groups. These include the Senate and the Constitutional Council.
Giving out national awards.

The king also does other things not written in the constitution. For example, he leads national events. This includes religious ceremonies important to the Khmer people. He also supports charities and good causes. He represents Cambodia when he visits other countries. While there have been female rulers in the past, the 1993 constitution currently says women cannot become queen.

Royal Palace Ministry

The Ministry of the Royal Palace helps the king. It advises him on his duties. Minister Kong Sam Ol currently oversees this ministry. The Supreme Privy Advisory Council also helps. This council was once led by Prince Norodom Ranariddh. Now, former Prime Minister Hun Sen leads it.

A Look at History

Cambodia has a very long royal history. It goes back to ancient times. The first known ruler was Queen Queen Soma. She ruled around 68 AD. Over centuries, many kings and queens led the country. They built great empires, like the Khmer Empire. This empire was known for its amazing temples, such as Angkor Wat.

The monarchy faced challenges over time. There were wars and changes in power. Sometimes, other countries invaded Cambodia. The monarchy was even stopped for a period in the 20th century.

Modern Kings and Queens (1863–Present)

Cambodia's monarchy continued through different periods. This includes when it was under French protection. After gaining independence, the monarchy changed.

French Protectorate (1863–1953)

During this time, Cambodia was protected by France. Kings still ruled, but with French influence.

Name	Portrait	House	Birth	Death	Relationship to predecessor
Norodom Prohmbarirak នរោត្ដម ព្រហ្មបរិរក្ស 11 August 1863 – 24 April 1904 (40 years, 257 days)	King Norodom Prohmbarirak	Norodom	3 February 1834 Angkor Borei	24 April 1904 Phnom Penh Aged: 70 years, 81 days	Son
Sisowath Chamchakrapong ស៊ីសុវត្ថិ ចមចក្រពង្ស 27 April 1904 – 9 August 1927 (23 years, 104 days)	King Sisowath Chamchakrapong	Sisowath	7 September 1840 Mongkol Borey	9 August 1927 Phnom Penh Aged: 86 years, 336 days	Half-brother
Sisowath Monivong ស៊ីសុវត្ថិ មុនីវង្ស 9 August 1927 – 23 April 1941 (13 years, 257 days)	King Sisowath Monivong	Sisowath	27 December 1875 Phnom Penh	23 April 1941 Kampot Aged: 65 years, 117 days	Son
Norodom Sihanouk នរោត្តម សីហនុ 24 April 1941 – 2 March 1955 (13 years, 312 days)	King Norodom Sihanouk in 1941	Norodom	31 October 1922 Phnom Penh	15 October 2012 Beijing Aged: 89 years, 350 days	Maternal grandson

First Kingdom of Cambodia (1953–1970)

After gaining independence, Cambodia became a kingdom again.

Name	Portrait	House	Birth	Death	Relationship to predecessor
Norodom Suramarit នរោត្តម សុរាម្រិត 3 March 1955 – 3 April 1960 (5 years, 31 days)	King Norodom Suramarit	Norodom	6 March 1896 Phnom Penh	3 April 1960 Phnom Penh Aged: 64 years, 28 days	Father
Queen Sisowath Kossamak ស៊ីសុវត្ថិ កុសុមៈ 20 June 1960 – 9 October 1970 (10 years, 111 days)	Queen Sisowath Kossamak	Sisowath (by birth) Norodom (by marriage)	9 April 1904 Phnom Penh	27 April 1975 Beijing Aged: 71 years, 18 days	Consort

Second Kingdom of Cambodia (1993–Present)

The monarchy was restored in 1993 after a period of political change.

Name	Portrait	House	Birth	Death	Relationship to predecessor
Norodom Sihanouk នរោត្តម សីហនុ 24 September 1993 – 7 October 2004 (11 years, 13 days)	King Norodom Sihanouk in 1983	Norodom	31 October 1922 Phnom Penh	15 October 2012 Beijing Aged: 89 years, 350 days	Son
Norodom Sihamoni នរោត្តម សីហមុនី 14 October 2004 – present (20 years, 247 days)	King Norodom Sihamoni in 2019	Norodom	14 May 1953 Phnom Penh	Living Age: 72 years, 35 days	Son