King Mother’s Birthday is on June 18 every year in Cambodia. It commemorates the day Queen Mother Norodom Monineath was born. Queen Mother’s birth name was Paule-Monique Izzi. She met Norodom Sihanouk in 1951 at a beauty contest where he awarded her the first prize and they were married the following year after. After King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated in 2004, his son succeeded him, and Norodom Monineath became the Queen Mother. Queen Mother is known for her involvement in several charities, such as the ‘Samdech Euv Team,’ which was established by the King Father to help the less fortunate by building hospitals, schools, and houses.
History of King's Mother's Birthday
Norodom Monineath was born on June 18, 1936, in Saigon, French Indochina. Her mother was from Phnom Penh, and her father, a banker of Corsican, French, and Italian descent, was killed in World War II. She became queen consort of Cambodia from 1993 to 2004 and is now the widow of King Father Norodom Sihanouk. She had two sons — King Norodom Sihamoni became king in 2004, and Prince Norodom Narindrapong died from a heart attack in Paris in 2003.
Queen Mother studied at the Primary School Norodom, Sisowath High School, and the Lycee Rene Descartes. During a beauty pageant in 1951, Norodom Sihanouk awarded her the first prize, after which they started living together in 1952. They got married in 1955, and she became his close confidante. She was the president of the Cambodian Red Cross from 1967 to 1970. Her husband had abdicated in favor of his father and continued to rule the country as Premier.
She returned to the royal palace in 1975 after the fall of Phnom Penh to the Khmer Rouge. In 1976, Norodom Monineath and Norodom Sihanouk were kept under house arrest by the Khmer Rouge and subjected to political re-education. During this time, the Khmer Rouge killed 18 members of the royal family; however, the intervention of China and North Korea saved Norodom Monineth and Norodom Sihanouk from being executed. They were taken to China in 1979 and returned to Cambodia in 1991.
King's Mother's Birthday timeline
In Saigon, French Indochina, Norodom Monineath is born.
Norodom Sihanouk awards the first prize to Queen Mother at a beauty pageant.
She serves as the president of the Cambodian Red Cross.
She quickly elevates to ranks from Samdech Preah Cheayea, Samdech Preah Mohesey Norodom of Cambodia, to Samdech Preah Reach Akka Mohesey Norodom Monineath for her contributions to the country.
King's Mother's Birthday FAQs
Who is Norodom Sihamoni?
Norodom Sihamoni is the king of Cambodia who succeeded King Norodom Sihanouk in 2004.
How did Cambodia get its name?
It acquired its name from the Kambojas who used to inhabit the land.
What language is mainly spoken in Cambodia?
Khmer is the national language of Cambodia. However, Cambodia has about twelve major languages.
King's Mother's Birthday Activities
Read up
Read about the life of Queen Mother. Find out her contributions to the country.
Spread awareness
Spread awareness about the noble deeds of Queen Mother. Inspire others to live a virtuous life like her.
Volunteer
Queen Mother works hard for the betterment of the country. She supports many underprivileged people, volunteers, and helps others so that you can also help people.
5 Facts About Norodom Monineath
There’s a Queen Mother Library
Queen Mother Library is an homage to the Queen Mother, who works hard to serve the country.
She’s involved in many charities
She plays vital roles in many charities, including the Samdech Euv Team founded by King Father to help the less fortunate.
She speaks many languages
Apart from Khmer, Queen Mother is fluent in French and English.
Norodom Sihanouk wanted her to succeed him
Sihanouk wanted to revise the constitution to make her a Regent and his successor.
She made negotiations for Peace
She played a vital role in peace negotiations between Sihanouk and Hun Sen.
Why We Love King's Mother's Birthday
It celebrates Queen Mother
This day celebrates Queen Mother’s noble soul and her kind work for the country. Take the time out today to honor her.
It commemorates her birthday
It celebrates the Queen Mother’s birthday and commemorates the day of her birth. There’s no better way to commemorate this day than by remembering her contributions to the nation.
It’s a day of joy
It is a birthday celebration; thus, it is a merry event. Celebrate with good food and good times,
King's Mother's Birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 18 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | June 18 | Thursday |
| 2027 | June 18 | Friday |
| 2028 | June 18 | Sunday |
| 2029 | June 18 | Monday |
