Perhaps the most fascinating and most revered individual in Cambodia is the head of their royal family, Prince Norodom Sihanouk. Up until the early 1950’s, Cambodia was a colony of France. Sihanouk, a grandson of the previous king, was a jet-setting young playboy in his youth. When the king of Cambodia died in 1941, the French placed Sihanouk on the throne over the true heir, thinking Sihanouk would be easy to control.
Instead, Sihanouk help lead the Cambodian people to eventually gain independence from France in 1953. Sihanouk has been the consummate survivor ever since. Over the years he has used his charm and finesse to remain a powerbroker in his country. Even the Khmer Rouge dared not harm him when they took over the country. Many other members of the Cambodian royal family did not do so well in April, 1975. Sihanouk played the French, the US, China and the UN over the years to broker influence for himself and his country. Although he turned over his official royal duties to his son many years ago, Prince Nordom Sihanouk is still universally adored and revered in the country. Gigantic photographs and memorials of him and his number one wife can be found throughout Phnom Pehn and the Cambodian countryside.
Prince Norodom Sihanouk
Sihanouk is also a true renaissance man. He lives in a sprawling palace in the center of Phnom Pehn full of Buddhist temples and memorials. He maintains homes both in France and China, and is famous for his fine tastes in food and beverages. He is also a connoisseur of the culture and art of his country. He has even written and directed several films over the years.
You can read more about Sihanouk at Wikipedia.
No comments:
Post a Comment