October 29, 2025 marks the 21st anniversary of the coronation of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, the current King of the Kingdom of Cambodia. This anniversary is more than a ceremonial milestone—it is a historical reminder of the long and difficult journey the Cambodian nation endured to restore the constitutional monarchy for a second time. It also calls on all Cambodians to reflect on what must be safeguarded in order to prevent the loss of this institution, which has been deeply rooted in the heart and identity of the Khmer people since ancient times.
For generations, Cambodians have asked: What challenges did the monarchy face before regaining stability in the modern era? And who were the key figures who played decisive roles in restoring the
monarchy as a symbol of peace, unity, and national independence?
Fresh Exclusive presents a clear account of those historical developments.
*From Loss to Revival: The Cambodian Monarchy’s Historic Journey
The monarchy in Cambodia is not merely a political structure. It is a symbol of national identity, unity, and continuity—especially following nearly thirty years of war and devastation.
After the United Front for National Salvation, in co-operation with Vietnamese Volunteer Army, overthrew the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime on January 7, 1979, Cambodia was liberated from mass killing but had yet to achieve true peace. Armed resistance movements continued in several border regions, and the nation remained politically fragmented.
During this period, the leadership of the newly established People’s Republic of Kampuchea undertook the urgent responsibilities of preventing the return of genocide, saving the population from famine, beginning national reconstruction, and guiding the country toward peace.
In this complex political landscape, four major Cambodian factions held differing ideological visions:
1. The State of Cambodia, led by Heng Samrin, Chea Sim, and Hun Sen, governing approximately 90% of the country’s territory.
2. FUNCINPEC, led by former King Norodom Sihanouk.
3. The Khmer People’s National Liberation Front, led by Son Sann.
4. Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge), led by Pol Pot and Khieu Samphan.
Despite differing political positions and deep mutual distrust, only the State of Cambodia—particularly Samdech Hun Sen—and FUNCINPEC under former King Norodom Sihanouk demonstrated a genuine commitment to achieving peace.
*The “Sihanouk–Hun Sen” Meeting: A Turning Point Toward Peace
Determined to end the conflict, Comrade Hun Sen held peace talks with His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk in Fère-en-Tardenois, France, from December 2–4, 1987. A second round followed in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, on January 20–21, 1988.
These historic “Sihanouk–Hun Sen” meetings marked the opening of the political peace process. The negotiation framework later expanded to Indonesia through the Jakarta Informal Meetings (JIM I and JIM II) and the Informal Meeting on Cambodia (IMC), leading directly to the Paris Peace Conference.
This process culminated in the signing of the Paris Peace Agreements on October 23, 1991, paving the way for the restoration of peace and national reconciliation.
Twenty-two days later, on November 14, 1991, Samdech Hun Sen and his spouse accompanied Their Majesties King Norodom Sihanouk and the Queen Mother back to Cambodia—a moment widely
recognized as the symbolic beginning of the monarchy’s restoration.
On September 24, 1993, King Norodom Sihanouk officially resumed the throne, marking the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Cambodia under a constitutional monarchy.
In 2004, His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk voluntarily abdicated due to advanced age and health conditions, transferring the throne to his son, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, who continues to reign with dignity and devotion.
*His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni: Continuing the Royal Mission of Peace
Following the Paris Peace Agreements, the return of His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk symbolized national unity and harmony. He guided the reconstruction of the nation under the 1993 Constitution. His
voluntary abdication in 2004 was unprecedented in Cambodian history.
His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni was chosen by the Throne Council and enthroned on October 29, 2004. The coronation ceremony was attended by representatives from more than 150 countries, including ASEAN, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the United Nations. Their Majesties King Norodom Sihanouk and the Queen Mother were also present at the ceremony.
*Conclusion៖
Over the last three centuries of Cambodian history, no regime has preserved the spirit and identity of the Khmer nation as successfully as the monarchy.
• The Khmer Republic ruled for 5 years and 30 days.
• The Democratic Kampuchea regime lasted 3 years, 8 months, and 20 days.
• The People’s Republic of Kampuchea / State of Cambodia governed from 1979 to September 24, 1993, for a total of 14 years, 8 months, and 17 days, before the monarchy was restored.
History clearly shows that without His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk and Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen—visionary leaders committed to peace—Cambodia could not have regained its constitutional monarchy after the darkness of the Khmer Rouge period.
Today, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni continues the noble royal mission of upholding peace, national unity, cultural identity, and the moral foundation of the nation.
The revival of the throne is not only a political restoration—it is the enduring symbol of Nation, Religion, King, and Eternal Peace, the strongest pillars of Cambodian national identity.
