The Death of Sihanouk
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In October 2012, Norodom Sihanouk, the King-Father of Cambodia, died. His body was returned to Phnom Penh from Beijing, where he had been receiving medical treatment. Over the next few months, his body lay in repose at the Royal Palace. People lined up daily to pay respect. A crematorium was constructed next to the palace, and an official mourning period began on February 1, 2013. Mourners flocked from around the country to say goodbye to their former ruler, who had held various roles during a tumultuous period of the nation’s history that included French colonial rule, Japanese occupation, independence, civil war, and genocide. His ashes were dispersed in the Mekong River.
King Sihanouk's death (October 15, 2012) drew mourners from all over Cambodia to the Royal Palace Park in Phnom Penh.
A 15-story royal crematorium was constructed in Veal Preah Man, a park adjacent to the Royal Palace.
Workers top off a paper roof painted in a shingle pattern on one of the temporary structures built for the crematorium.
Mourners kneel out of respect as Prime Minister Hun Sen passes during the funeral procession. Hen Sen’s float followed a float carrying the golden coffin of Sihanouk.
The main road running along the riverside, Sisowath Quay, was closed to vehicles.
Funeral procession guards wearing the colors of Cambodia’s flag march together at the end of the parade.
The King's casket passes the Royal Palace on its way to the crematorium during the February 1 funeral procession.
As a sign of respect, most people wore outfits of all white, or white shirts and dark trousers or skirts.
The funeral procession wove a six-kilometer loop through the center of Phnom Penh.
After the King’s body was transferred to the crematorium, artillery was fired over the Mekong near the Royal Palace.
At a makeshift sidewalk factory outside a printshop, photo pins with ribbons were constructed to sell to mourners.
Entrepreneurs took advantage of the crowds to sell posters, pins, and other Norodom Sihanouk memorabilia.
Some sold merchandise unrelated to the event.
As the sun set on February 4, 2013 people gathered waiting for the cremation to begin.
Fireworks at dusk on February 4, 2013, moments before the current king, Norodom Sihamoni (Sihanouk’s son), and Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath lit the funeral pyre.
Mourners gather around a television on February 4 as King Sihanouk's widow and son light his pyre.
A portrait of the late king waves from the darkness of the Riverside as funeral crowds begin to disperse.