Cambodia celebrates King Mother’s birthday on June 18 each year. It commemorates the date of the birth of Queen Mother Norodom Monineath. The birth name of Queen Mother was Paule-Monique Izzi. She encountered Norodom Sihanouk at a beauty contest in 1951, where he awarded her first place; they were married the next year. In 2004, after the abdication of King Norodom Sihanouk, his son succeeded him, and Norodom Monineath became the Queen Mother. Queen Mother is well-known for her involvement in a number of charitable organisations, including the ‘Samdech Euv Team,’ which was founded by King Father to assist the less fortunate by constructing hospitals, schools, and homes.
The background of King’s Mother’s Birthday
Norodom Monineath was born in Saigon, French Indochina, on June 18, 1936. Her mother was from Phnom Penh, while her father, a financier of Corsican, French, and Italian descent, perished during World War II. From 1993 to 2004, she was the queen consort of Cambodia, and she is now the widow of King Father Norodom Sihanouk. She had two sons: monarch Norodom Sihamoni, who became monarch in 2004, and Prince Norodom Narindrapong, who died in Paris in 2003 of a heart attack.
The Queen Mother attended Norodom Elementary School, Sisowath High School, and Lycee René Descartes. In 1952, they began living together after Norodom Sihanouk granted her first place at a beauty contest in 1951. In 1955, they wed, and she became his closest confidante. From 1967 to 1970, she served as the president of the Cambodian Red Cross. Her husband had abdicated in favour of his father, who continued to govern the country as Premier after her husband’s abdication.
She returned to the royal residence in 1975, following the Khmer Rouge’s conquest of Phnom Penh. In 1976, the Khmer Rouge held Norodom Monineath and Norodom Sihanouk under house arrest and subjected them to political re-education. During this time, the Khmer Rouge executed 18 members of the royal family; however, China and North Korea prevented the executions of Norodom Monineth and Norodom Sihanouk. In 1979, they were transported to China, and in 1991, they were returned to Cambodia.
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KING’S MOTHER’S BIRTHDAY ACTIVITIES
Study up
Learn about the Queen Mother’s existence. Determine her contributions to the nation.
Spread knowledge
Raise awareness of Queen Mother’s noble actions. Inspire others to emulate her virtuous lifestyle.
Volunteer
The Queen Mother works tirelessly for the welfare of the nation. She supports numerous underprivileged individuals, volunteers, and assists others so that you too can assist others.
5 FACTS REGARDING NORODOM MONINEATH
The Queen Mother Library is a tribute to the Queen Mother, who tirelessly serves the nation.
She performs vital roles in numerous charitable organisations, including the Samdech Euv Team, which King Father founded to assist the disadvantaged.
The Queen Mother is also fluent in French and English, in addition to Khmer.
Sihanouk desired to amend the constitution to make her Regent and his heir.
She was instrumental in the reconciliation talks between Sihanouk and Hun Sen.
KING’S MOTHER’S BIRTHDAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | June 18 | Sunday |
2024 | June 18 | Tuesday |
2025 | June 18 | Wednesday |
2026 | June 18 | Thursday |
2027 | June 18 | Friday |