Sisavang Vong facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sisavangvong |
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| H.H Sisavang Vong | |
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| King of Laos | |
| Reign | 23 April 1946 – 29 October 1959 |
| Predecessor | Position created |
| Successor | Sisavang Vatthana |
| King of Luang Prabang | |
| Reign | 28 April 1904 – 20 October 1945 |
| Coronation | 4 March 1905 |
| Predecessor | Zakarine |
| Successor | As King of Laos |
| Born | 14 July 1885 Luang Prabang, Kingdom of Luang Prabang |
| Died | 29 October 1959 (aged 74) Luang Prabang, Laos |
| Spouse | Princess Kham-Oun I Princess Khamphane Princess Khamla Princess Khamboua Princess Khamtip Princess Khamtouane Princess Kamaduni Princess Indrakama Princess Kamuni Princess Chansy |
| Issue | Sisavang Vatthana |
| House | Khun Lo |
| Father | Zakarine |
| Mother | Thongsy |
King Sisavangvong (Lao: ພຣະບາທສົມເດັຈພຣະເຈົ້າມະຫາຊີວິຕສີສວ່າງວົງສ໌, born 14 July 1885 – died 29 October 1959) was a very important leader in the history of Laos. He was one of the last kings of Luang Prabang. He ruled from April 28, 1904, until he passed away on October 29, 1959.
When he was born, his name was Prince Khao ((ຂເ-ົາ)). In Lao tradition, when he became king, he was given the name Sisavangvong. He was known by this name for the rest of his life.
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Early Life of King Sisavangvong
Prince Khao was born on July 14, 1885. He was born in the Golden Palace in Luang Prabang. His father was King Zakarinth, and his mother was Queen Thong-sy.
Even though he was a prince, Khao was sent away to study. He went to schools in Saigon and France. These schools helped prepare him for his future role as king.
Becoming King
Prince Khao became the heir to the throne on April 15, 1904. This happened after his father, King Zakarinth, died on March 26, 1904.
The young Prince Khao was crowned King Sisavangvong on March 4, 1905. His coronation took place at the Old Royal Palace in Luang Prabang.
King Sisavangvong's Reign
In the early years of his rule, the French helped build a new home for him. This was the Royal Palace of Luang Prabang.
King Sisavangvong worked to unite different areas of Laos. He brought provinces like Houaphan, Houakhong, Xiengkhouang, and Vientiane under his rule. Later, Champassak and Sayboury also joined.
He believed that France should continue to have a role in Laos. In 1945, some Lao people wanted independence. They formed a group called the Lao Issara and declared Laos free. King Sisavangvong did not agree with them and was removed from power for a short time.
However, in April 1946, the French returned and helped him become king again. This was a very important moment. It was the first time in almost 250 years that a Lao king truly ruled over all the land that is now Laos.
King Sisavangvong ruled Luang Prabang and then Laos for 55 years. He was the longest-reigning king in modern Lao history.
When he became sick, his son, Crown Prince Savang Vatthana, took over as regent. A regent is someone who rules when the king cannot. King Sisavangvong passed away in 1959. His son then became the new king.
His funeral was held in 1961 in Luang Prabang. His body was carried by a special royal funeral carriage. Many important people attended, including Prince Bhanubandhu Yugala from Thailand.
A university, Sisavangvong University, was named after him. However, it was closed in 1975 when the communists came to power in Laos.
Statues of King Sisavangvong can still be seen in Luang Prabang and Vientiane. They show him giving a constitution to the people. This is because he led Laos to independence from the French Union.
King Sisavangvong's Family
King Sisavangvong had a large family. He had many children. Sadly, 14 of his children died in a boating accident on the Mekong River.
His wives included:
- Princess Kamuni (1885–1915)
- Khamphane (1896–1983)
- Khamla
- Khamboua
- Khamtip
- Princess Khamtouan of Luang Prabang
- Princess Kamaduni
- Mom Khamphoui
- Princess Indrakama
- Princess Kamuni
- Princess Khamphoui
- Chansy (1900–1984)
Honors and Awards
King Sisavangvong received many important awards from different countries. These honors showed his importance and his good relationships with other nations. Some of these awards included:
- Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Cambodia (1905)
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Dragon of Annam (1905)
- Grand Cross of the Legion d'Honneur of France (1927)
- Grand Officer of the Order of the Black Star of Benin of France (1935)
- Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown of Belgium (1935)
- Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters of France (1949)
- Croix de Guerre with Palm of France (1949)
- Knight of the Order of the Royal House of Chakri of Thailand (1955)
- Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit of Vietnam (1955)
See also
- Monarchs of Laos
