The House of Norodom (, UNGEGN: , ALA-LC: ; ) is the ruling royal house of Cambodia. Its members are direct descendants of King Norodom (1860–1904), a son of the "Great-King", Ang Duong. The current head of the House of Norodom is the current king of Cambodia, Norodom Sihamoni. Norodom is one of the two royal houses of Cambodia. Its counterpart, the House of Sisowath, is named after another son of Ang Duong, Sisowath. Four members have served as Kings of Cambodia, and three as Prime Ministers.
History The Royal House of Norodom traces its origins to King Ang Duong (1796–1860), who reigned from 1848 until his death. During his reign, Cambodia was caught between the regional powers of Siam and Vietnam, both of which frequently interfered in Cambodian politics. Ang Duong, who had spent many years in the Siamese court, sought to strengthen Cambodia’s sovereignty by reviving Khmer culture, reforming administration, and cautiously reaching out to France for protection against its neighbors. Although he died before completing negotiations, his foreign policy laid the foundation for Cambodia’s later relationship with France.
Following Ang Duong’s death in 1860, his eldest son, Prince Norodom (1834–1904), was chosen as the new monarch. His enthronement formally established the House of Norodom as a distinct branch of the Cambodian royal family. In 1863, King Norodom signed a treaty with France, placing Cambodia under French protection while preserving the monarchy. This marked the beginning of nearly ninety years of French colonial influence, during which the throne alternated at times between the House of Norodom and the House of Sisowath, another branch descending from King Ang Duong.
The House of Norodom returned to prominence in 1941, when the French authorities selected Norodom Sihanouk, great-grandson of Norodom I, to become king. Sihanouk reigned during World War II and led Cambodia to independence from France in 1953, becoming the most prominent monarch of the dynasty. In 1955 he abdicated in favor of his father, Norodom Suramarit, and assumed the role of Head of State after Suramarit’s death in 1960. Sihanouk was deposed in 1970 following a coup d'etat by General Lon Nol, which abolished the monarchy and established the Khmer Republic.
During the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), Sihanouk was briefly installed as head of state before being placed under house arrest. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, he continued to play a role in Cambodian politics from exile. In 1993, following United Nations–organized elections, the monarchy was restored as a constitutional institution and Sihanouk was reinstated as king. He reigned until his abdication in 2004, citing age and health concerns.
In October 2004, the Royal Council of the Throne elected Norodom Sihamoni, son of Norodom Sihanouk, as king. Sihamoni remains the current monarch of Cambodia, continuing the legacy of the House of Norodom into the 21st century.
Members Norodom (1834–1904) Norodom Yukanthor (1860–1934) Norodom Malika (1872–1951)http://khmerization.blogspot.com/2008/02/biography-of-prince-norodom-arun.html Norodom Sutharot (1872–1945) Norodom Phangangam (1874–1944) Norodom Kanviman Norleak Tevi (1876–1912) Norodom Singhara (?) Norodom Suramarit (1896–1960) Sisowath Kossamak (by marriage; 1904–1975) Norodom Phurissara (1919–1976) Norodom Kantol (1920–1976) Norodom Sihanouk (1922–2012) Norodom Viriya (born 1926) Norodom Thavet Norleak (?) Norodom Monineath Sihanouk (by marriage; born 1936) Norodom Montana (1902–1975) Norodom Buppha Devi (1943–2019) Norodom Yuvaneath (1943–2021) Norodom Chhavann-rangsi Norodom Yuveakduri Norodom Veakchearavouth Norodom Ekcharin Norodom Pekina Norodom Yuveakdevi Norodom Ranariddh (1944–2021) Norodom Chakrapong (born 1945) Norodom Kachanipha Chakrapong (?) Norodom Vichara (1946–2013) Norodom Naradipo (1946–1976) Norodom Marie Ranariddh (by marriage; born 1948) Norodom Kuntha Bopha (1948–1952) Norodom Sirivudh (born 1951) Norodom Sihamoni (born 1953) Norodom Narindrapong (1954–2003) Norodom Arunrasmy (born 1955) Norodom Ravivong (?) Norodom Sorya Roeungsi (?) Norodom Kantha Bopha (?) Norodom Khemanourak (?) Norodom Botum Bopha (?) Norodom Sujata (?) Norodom Vatvani (?) Norodom Sosony (?) Norodom Soma (born 1969) Norodom Rattana Devi (born 1974) Norodom Jenna (born 2012)
List of Norodom monarchs Portrait Name Reign From To Duration Norodom 19 October 1860 24 April 1904 Norodom Sihanouk 24 April 1941 2 March 1955 24 September 1993 7 October 2004 Norodom Suramarit 3 March 1955 3 April 1960 Norodom Sihamoni 14 October 2004 Present
List of Norodom consorts Portrait Name Reign From To Duration Norodom Monineath Sihanouk 24 September 1993 7 October 2004
List of Norodom prime ministers Portrait Name In office Party From To Duration Norodom Sihanouk 18 March 1945 13 August 1945 Independent 28 April 1950 30 May 1950 16 June 1952 24 January 1953 7 April 1954 18 April 1954 3 October 1955 5 January 1956 Sangkum 1 March 1956 24 March 1956 15 September 1956 15 October 1956 9 April 1957 7 July 1957 10 July 1958 19 April 1960 17 November 1961 13 February 1962 Norodom Kantol 6 October 1962 25 October 1966 Sangkum Norodom Ranariddh 2 July 1993 6 August 1997 FUNCINPEC
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