Norodom Sihamoni

Norodom Sihamoni is Cambodia’s king, enthroned in 2004 after a career as a ballet dancer, choreographer, and cultural diplomat.

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Norodom Sihanouk: Norodom Sihanouk was Cambodia’s king, head of state, and political leader at different times during the twentieth century. His father’s abdication in 2004 made Sihamoni king.
Cambodian Council of the Throne: The Cambodian Council of the Throne is the body that selects Cambodia’s monarch under the constitution. It chose Sihamoni after Sihanouk abdicated.
Royal Ballet of Cambodia: The Royal Ballet of Cambodia is a classical dance tradition associated with the Cambodian royal court. Sihamoni’s artistic life connected him to Cambodia’s court dance heritage.
Abdication: Abdication is the formal surrender of a monarch’s throne. Sihanouk’s 2004 abdication opened the way for Sihamoni’s accession.
Monineath Sihanouk: Monineath Sihanouk is the queen mother of Cambodia and widow of King Norodom Sihanouk. Sihamoni is her son, born during her marriage to Sihanouk.
Hun Sen: Hun Sen is a Cambodian politician who served as prime minister from 1985 to 2023. As prime minister, he was among the political leaders involved in the 2004 succession.
Ballet: Ballet is a theatrical dance form built on codified movement, music, and choreographed performance. Sihamoni trained and worked professionally as a ballet dancer.
Cambodia: Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Sihamoni’s constitutional and ceremonial role belongs to Cambodia’s national institutions.
Prague: Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and a major European center of arts and education. Sihamoni spent much of his youth studying ballet and music in Prague.
Norodom Ranariddh: Norodom Ranariddh was a Cambodian politician and prince, and the son of Norodom Sihanouk. He was one of the royal figures considered during the 2004 succession.