King’s Coronation Day in Cambodia

King Norodom Sihanouk had ruled various iterations of Cambodia since 1941. In 2004, he surprised everyone when he announced his abdication due to ill health.

His Son, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni was made king after being chosen by a nine-member throne council to become the next king.

Even though King Norodom Sihamoni’s father was King, the King of Cambodia is an elected monarch, making Cambodia one of the few elected monarchies of the world.

The King is elected for life and is chosen by the Royal Council of the Throne. The only stipulations are that the candidates must be part of the royal family and at least 30 years old.

He was inaugurated and formally appointed as King on October 29th 2004.

The King’s full title is “His Merciful Excellent Majesty Protector, King Norodom Sihamoni, who united the nation, religion, realm, and people of Khmer state, great king who is supported by Buddha and Indra, protector of independence, unification, and peace, King of Cambodia, the Great King in the Kingdom of Cambodia”.

The anniversary of the king’s coronation is celebrated with fireworks, parades, and a variety of cultural events.