King's Mother's Birthday - It’s King Mother’s Birthday. We’ve got cakes and party hats to celebrate!

King's Mother's Birthday 2024 – June 18, 2024

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

1936
Birth of Queen Mother

In Saigon, French Indochina, Norodom Monineath is born.

1951
Queen Mother and King Father Meet

Norodom Sihanouk awards the first prize to Queen Mother at a beauty pageant.

1967—1970
President of The Red Cross

She serves as the president of the Cambodian Red Cross.

1992
Climbing Ranks

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

  1. Read up

    Read about the life of Queen Mother. Find out her contributions to the country.

  2. Spread awareness

    Spread awareness about the noble deeds of Queen Mother. Inspire others to live a virtuous life like her.

  3. 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

  1. There’s a Queen Mother Library

    Queen Mother Library is an homage to the Queen Mother, who works hard to serve the country.

  2. 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.

  3. She speaks many languages

    Apart from Khmer, Queen Mother is fluent in French and English.

  4. Norodom Sihanouk wanted her to succeed him

    Sihanouk wanted to revise the constitution to make her a Regent and his successor.

  5. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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
2023 June 18 Sunday
2024 June 18 Tuesday
2025 June 18 Wednesday
2026 June 18 Thursday
2027 June 18 Friday