Phnom Penh: Born as Paule Monique IZZI on June 18, 1936, Her Majesty the Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath has been a significant figure in Cambodian history. As the youngest daughter of Mr. Jean-Fran§ois IZZI, Director of Cr©dit Foncier de Saigon, and Ms. Pomme Peang, she married His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk in April 1952. Their union produced two sons, HRH Prince Norodom Sihamoni, the current King of Cambodia, and HRH Prince Norodom Narindrapong, who passed away in 2003.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Queen-Mother Norodom Monineath had an illustrious early life, studying at some of the most prestigious schools in Phnom Penh. She served as President of the Cambodian Red Cross in the 1960s until the political upheaval in 1970 forced her into exile in Beijing. She lived there with Prince Sihanouk until 1975 when they returned to Cambodia, only to be placed under house arrest until 1979.
The Paris Accords of 1991 marked the end of her second exile, and she returned to Cambodia later that year. Her royal status was elevated multiple times, including her becoming Queen of Cambodia in 1993, following the establishment of a new Constitution. With the ascension of her son, King Norodom Sihamoni, in 2004, she was honored with the title of Samdech Preah Mohaksatrey Vorakreach Meada. Beyond her royal duties, she is fluent in Khmer, French, and English, underscoring her diverse contributions to Cambodian society.