Retired King Norodom Sihanouk should retain the title of king, despite his replacement by a new reigning monarch, National Assembly President Prince Norodom Ranariddh said Monday.
“No matter whether or not [Norodom Sihanouk] is retired, I still call him His Majesty the King,” Prince Ranariddh told reporters outside the Assembly.
After Norodom Sihanouk renounced the throne two weeks ago, some observers have questioned the legality of his retirement and the subsequent appointment of King Norodom Sihamoni, whose coronation is scheduled for Oct 29. The 1993 Constitution does not provide for a king’s retirement or abdication.
To clear any confusion over Norodom Sihanouk’s post-retirement title, Prince Ranariddh said the Assembly is drafting a special law that would grant the retired king the highest royal designation, “Preah Maha Virak Khsat,” or “His Great Royal Majesty.”
“Morally [Norodom Sihanouk’s] influence is always there, inevitably. Nobody can replace His Great Majesty,” he added.
Ahead of his retirement, however, King Norodom Sihanouk issued a royal decree last month stating that he should no longer be referred to as “His Majesty,” nor “His Royal Highness the Prince” in the event of his abdication. Instead, he should be called “Samdech Euv,” translated as “Royal Father,” or even “Sir.”
In a separate royal decree dated Aug 2, he also stated that Queen Norodom Monineath should be referred to as “former Queen of Cambodia” after his abdication.
On Monday, Prince Ranariddh acknowledged that his father may not like the new title intended by the Assembly.
“He may not be satisfied, but it depends on us parliamentarians [to determine] the name-calling,” he said.
Vann Van, deputy director of the Royal Palace’s protocol department, agreed Monday that Norodom Sihanouk would continue to hold the title of king.
Prince Ranariddh, however, said Cambodians should not interpret Norodom Sihanouk’s new title to mean there are two reigning monarchs.
“Don’t say there are two kings. This is an inciting comment,” he said.
