# Norodom Suramarit

> Cambodian king (1896-1960)

**Wikidata**: [Q1779614](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1779614)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norodom_Suramarit)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/norodom-suramarit

## Summary
Norodom Suramarit was a Cambodian king who reigned from 1955 until his death in 1960. He was the father of King Norodom Sihanouk and played a significant role in Cambodia's transition to independence from French colonial rule.

## Biography
- Born: March 6, 1896
- Nationality: Cambodian
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: King of Cambodia (1955-1960)
- Employer(s): Royal Court of Cambodia
- Field(s): Monarchy, governance

## Contributions
Norodom Suramarit's primary contribution was serving as King of Cambodia during a critical period of the country's history. He ascended to the throne in 1955 following Cambodia's independence from France, helping to establish the nation's sovereignty and constitutional monarchy. His reign lasted until his death in 1960, during which he worked to stabilize the newly independent nation and maintain traditional royal institutions.

## FAQs
**When did Norodom Suramarit become king?**
Norodom Suramarit became King of Cambodia in 1955, following the country's independence from French colonial rule.

**How long did Norodom Suramarit reign as king?**
Norodom Suramarit reigned as King of Cambodia for approximately five years, from 1955 until his death in 1960.

**What was Norodom Suramarit's relationship to King Norodom Sihanouk?**
Norodom Suramarit was the father of King Norodom Sihanouk, who would later become one of Cambodia's most prominent political figures.

**What was the significance of Norodom Suramarit's reign?**
His reign marked Cambodia's transition to independence and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, helping to stabilize the nation during a crucial period of self-governance.

## Why They Matter
Norodom Suramarit's significance lies in his role as Cambodia's monarch during the immediate post-independence period. His reign helped bridge the transition from French colonial rule to full sovereignty, maintaining royal traditions while adapting to modern governance structures. As the father of Norodom Sihanouk, he was part of a royal lineage that would continue to play a crucial role in Cambodian politics for decades to come.

## Notable For
- King of Cambodia during the immediate post-independence period (1955-1960)
- Father of King Norodom Sihanouk
- Part of the Norodom royal dynasty
- Recipient of multiple international honors and decorations
- Helped establish Cambodia's constitutional monarchy

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Norodom Suramarit was born on March 6, 1896, into the Norodom royal family of Cambodia. He belonged to the House of Norodom, one of the two major royal houses that had historically competed for power in Cambodia. His birth occurred during the period of French colonial rule, when Cambodia was part of French Indochina.

### Ascension to the Throne
Norodom Suramarit became King of Cambodia in 1955, following the country's independence from France in 1953. His ascension came after his son, Norodom Sihanouk, abdicated the throne to pursue a political career as Prime Minister and later as Head of State. This transition marked a significant moment in Cambodian history as the nation moved from colonial rule to independence under a constitutional monarchy.

### Reign and Governance
During his reign from 1955 to 1960, Norodom Suramarit served as a constitutional monarch in the newly independent Kingdom of Cambodia. His role was primarily ceremonial, as the country was governed by elected officials and his son, Norodom Sihanouk, who held the position of Head of State. The king's responsibilities included representing the nation domestically and internationally, preserving Cambodian cultural traditions, and serving as a unifying figure for the Cambodian people.

### International Recognition
Throughout his life and reign, Norodom Suramarit received numerous international honors and decorations, reflecting Cambodia's diplomatic relationships and his status as a monarch. These included the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour from France, the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum from Japan, and the National Order of Vietnam. He was also awarded the Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol from Laos, the Order of the Royal House of Chakri from Thailand, and the Commander of the Legion of Honour from France.

### Family and Legacy
Norodom Suramarit was married to Sisowath Kossamak, and together they had several children, including the prominent Norodom Sihanouk. His family connections extended Cambodia's royal influence across multiple generations of political leadership. The Norodom dynasty, of which he was a part, has played a central role in Cambodian history for over a century.

### Death and Succession
Norodom Suramarit died on April 3, 1960, after a reign of approximately five years. Following his death, his son Norodom Sihanouk returned to the throne, becoming Head of State once again. This succession maintained the continuity of the Norodom royal family's influence in Cambodian politics and governance.

### Historical Context
Norodom Suramarit's reign occurred during a period of significant change for Cambodia. The country had recently gained independence from France and was navigating the challenges of self-governance in the Cold War era. His role as monarch provided stability and continuity during this transitional period, helping to maintain traditional institutions while the country developed its modern political structures.

### Cultural Significance
As a member of the royal family, Norodom Suramarit played an important role in preserving and promoting Cambodian cultural traditions. The monarchy in Cambodia has historically been closely tied to Buddhist religious practices and traditional customs, and his reign helped maintain these connections during a time of modernization and political change.

### Diplomatic Relations
During his reign, Cambodia maintained diplomatic relations with numerous countries, and Norodom Suramarit served as a symbolic representative of the nation in international affairs. His receipt of various foreign honors indicates the diplomatic recognition Cambodia received during this period and the importance of royal diplomacy in Southeast Asian politics.

### Place in Cambodian History
Norodom Suramarit represents a transitional figure in Cambodian history, bridging the colonial period and the era of independence. His relatively short reign was marked by the establishment of Cambodia's sovereignty and the development of its constitutional monarchy, setting the stage for the country's modern political development.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. MusicBrainz
3. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
4. Munzinger Personen
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013