Tradition: Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk

Her Majesty the Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk will celebrate her 88th birthday at the Royal Palace tomorrow, Tuesday 18 June 2024.

Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, born Paule Monique Izzi, was Queen of Cambodia from 1952 to 1955 and again from 1993 to 2004, as spouse of King Norodom Sihanouk. She is the widow of the father King Norodom Sihanouk, whom she married in 1952.

Queen Monineath and King Sihanouk had two children: Norodom Sihamoni, the current sovereign (1953) and Norodom Narindrapong (1954-2003). Her full official title is "Samdech Preah Mahaksatrey Norodom Monineath Sihanouk". The Queen is also called "Preah Voreakreach Meada Cheat Khmer".

Born in Hồ Chí Minh

Norodom Monineath was born on 18 June 1936 in Hồ Chí Minh, formerly Saigon, in French Indochina. She was born Paule-Monique Izzi and is sometimes referred to as Reine Monique. Her father, Jean-François Izzi, was a French banker of Corsican, French and Italian descent, who was director of Crédit Foncier in Hồ Chí Minh.

The latter was killed during the Second World War. His mother, Pomme Peang, was originally from Phnom Penh.

Her Majesty the Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk studied at Norodom Primary School, Sisowath Secondary School and Lycée René Descartes. She speaks perfect French, English and Khmer.

Beauty queen

The queen met Norodom Sihanouk in 1951, when she won her first prize in a beauty contest. He declared her to be the love of his life. The king composed songs for her such as "The Night I Met You", "Monica" and "Rose of Phnom Penh". He also made her appear in several of his films.

In 1953, while her husband was engaged in a crusade for the kingdom's independence, she gave birth to Prince Norodom Sihamoni, the current King of Cambodia. Cambodian independence was officially proclaimed on 9 November 1953. A second son, Prince Norodom Narindrapong, completed the royal progeny the following year.

A second, more official marriage took place in 1955, to seal her union with Norodom Sihanouk. At the time, the Queen was frequently described as the monarch's privileged confidante and adviser. In 1955, her husband abdicated to enter the political arena and create his own party. In 1960, Norodom Sihanouk was once again Head of State, but as Prime Minister, with the sole title of Prince. Princess Monique became President of the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) from 1967 to 1970. This period is still known as Sangkum Reastr Niyum or Sangkum and many Cambodians of this generation look back on these years with nostalgia and consider them to be Cambodia's golden age.

1970

After Lon Nol's coup d'état in 1970, the Queen joined her husband in exile in Beijing and then North Korea. After the fall of Phnom Penh in April 1975, she returned to the royal palace in Phnom Penh with her husband, who was then appointed head of state by the Khmer Rouge. From 1976, however, they were both kept under house arrest.

Under pressure from the Khmer Rouge, the royal couple were subjected to a programme of political re-education during these years. During this dark time, at least 18 members of the royal family were murdered. Pol Pot is also said to have suggested executing the royal couple, but this was avoided thanks to the intervention of China and North Korea.

Return

In January 1979, the royal couple were evacuated by the Chinese. The original plan was to evacuate only the sovereigns Sihanouk and Monineath, but Pol Pot himself insisted that all members of the royal household be placed on the Chinese plane.

Norodom Monineath is not often credited with playing a discreet but important role in the peace negotiations between Sihanouk and Hun Sen in 1987 and 1988.

However, the two monarchs did not return to the Cambodian capital until November 1991, to the cheers of a huge crowd gathered all the way from the airport to the Royal Palace. On 22 February 1992, the King raised the Sovereign to the rank of Samdech Preah Cheayea on 24 September 1993, then to that of Samdech Preah Mohesey Norodom Monineath of Cambodia. On 2 January 1996, the King raised her to the rank of Samdech Preah Reach Akka Mohesey Norodom Monineath.

Sa Majesté La Reine-Mère Norodom Monineath Sihanouk

King Sihanouk reportedly suggested amending the constitution to allow her to become regent and succeed him on the throne, but in the end this did not happen. Instead, he chose to abdicate in favour of their son.

Widowed since the death of her husband in October 2012, Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, is still Honorary President of the Cambodian Red Cross and still frequently appears alongside her son, His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni King of Cambodia, at official celebrations and diplomatic receptions and visits held at the Royal Palace.

On this occasion, the Documentation Centre of Cambodia wishes Her Majesty a splendid birthday!